Madrid in Pictures

20 Replies

Madrid in Pictures

Today’s gallery is focused on Spain’s capital city and the European Union’s second largest metropolis. I visited Madrid in 2007, and although I knew it wouldn’t be my favourite Spanish city, it was better than I expected. Consequently, with so many photographs still to sort, and so many other places I want to write about, I thought my time would be best spent producing a gallery of some of the places that I saw in Madrid, rather than write an in-depth series of posts – but that could still happen later if I ever get the chance

Santana (Europa – Earth’s Cry Heaven’s Smile)

The pics below were all taken in the Centro district of Madrid

Some of you may be aware that I support a crap football team, and like any other basket-head, I just had to visit the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium – the home of Real Madrid, without doubt, one of the most famous clubs in the world. Their ground is in the La Castellano district alongside the ultra-busy Paseo de la Castellano which pierces through the city from south to north.

I won’t bore non-football fans with many photos, but I have to tell you that as I was enjoying the experience on my own high up in the stadium, a couple of chaps came and sat right next to me would you believe. It was a bit like parking the car in a car park with no other cars around, and then you can’t get into the car when you get back because you’ve been hemmed in by others who have squeezed in right next to you. Anyway, I digress. As you do, I started to chat with my new neighbours, and bearing in mind that I’m a Bristol City fan, I asked them if they spoke English, to which they replied yes. “Where are you from?”, “England”, “which part?”, “the West Country”, “whereabouts?”, “Bristol”, “I don’t believe it, who do you support?”, “Bristol Rovers”. Enough said.

A much more pleasant district to wander around is Retiro, particularly the Jeronimos area, which includes the Paseo del Prado with its famous art galleries, and the Retiro Park. My visit to Retiro Park was on a Sunday morning which I thought would be a good time to go, but I didn’t expect half the population of Madrid to be there as well. I should have known better really because it’s easy to see why.

POSTED – JANUARY 2024

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Originally posted 2024-01-25 16:01:29.

20 thoughts on “Madrid in Pictures”

  1. restlessjo

    Not a city that has called out to me, Malc, but your Header and some of the other photos certainly appeal. A couple of good friends thoroughly enjoyed the museums and parks, and it’s not too hard to get to from here, so maybe one day.

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  3. Toonsarah

    I’ve never been to Madrid (nor felt the urge to do so tbh) but I enjoyed this virtual visit with you. Of course I was interested in seeing the Bernabeu (what a coincidence to meet those fellow fans!) and I like the Monument to the Discovery of America. As to the park, I love to visit a city park at the weekend because it’s a great opportunity to see locals at play 🙂

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    1. Easymalc Post author

      Thanks for joining me on a rendevouz to Madrid Sarah. Perhaps if Newcastle make it back into the big time then you might get to the Bernabeu as well 🙂

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  4. Eunice

    Thanks for brightening up a very dull rainy day with your lovely photos Malc. The city certainly has some impressive architecture and I like the bear statue but my favourite places would have to be the park and gardens – I love the cute fisherman’s house 🙂

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  6. Alli Templeton

    Well, Malc, Madrid certainly isn’t short of impressive architecture, is it? Very impressive indeed, although I wasn’t quite sure what to make of the Monument to the Discovery of America. It looks as though it’s about to tip over into the water, or is that the idea? And do you know the story behind the bear statue? The city may not be your favourite, but it must have kept you busy for a fair while with all those sights to explore.

    Retiro Park looks equally impressive. Interesting subject for a statue, a fallen angel. I wonder what that says about the locals… 😉

    A cracking gallery, as always. 🙂

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    1. Easymalc Post author

      Thanks Alli. The Bear statue is what prompted me to put this gallery together, because a fellow blogger who lives in Portugal (Jo) was discuusing a walk she did recently and mentioned strawberry trees. The Madrid Bear statue (which is the city’s mascot) is in the centre of the city eating the fruits from just such a tree.

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      1. Alli Templeton

        Interesting story behind the bear. It reminded me of the bear and ragged staff, the emblem of the earls of Warwick. 🙂

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        1. Easymalc Post author

          You’ve reminded me of somewhere else I should blog about now – and it’s not Warwick 🙂

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  7. gabychops

    Thank you, Malc, for breaking the monotony of our news, but the memory of your visit to sunny and interesting Madrid must be a relief from two back to back storms here to all of us!
    I still find hard to believe that you support the football club with no future, as it stands, and of course, never say never, and nothing is impossible, so you can dream…

    Your gallery of excellent photos is as impressive as ever, and from the first, large picture our attention is awake!
    The choice of the places speaks loudly and clear; come to Madrid!
    I love the music and its apt title – “Earth’s Cry, Heaven’s Smile”. The Botanical Gardens, Plazas and monuments remind me to write sometime about Spanish writer, Cervantes
    Thank your, Malc, for the post that reminds me about oncoming spring, and the beautiful music, all greatly appreciated in the bleak winter!

    Joanna

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    1. Easymalc Post author

      Joanna, you say I lift your spirits at times, but you do the same for me as well. I know you like me to write, but many of my photos will never see the light of day if I don’t do a gallery every so often. Thank you for your fabulous support once again 🙂

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    1. Easymalc Post author

      It wasn’t really Pat, but I couldn’t pass the opportunity by of visiting the great club’s stadium 🙂

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