 | The Origins of how Madrid came to be named is still unclear. With documented origins dating back to the 2nd century B.C.E. as a settlement of the Roman Empire. After the fall of the Roman Empire Madrid fell under the rule of Germanic Sueves, Islamic conquests, and Christian Kings. Some believe the origin of the name "Madrid" comes from legend, that Madrid was founded by Ocno Bianor (son of King Tyrrhenius of Tuscany and Mantua) and was named "Metragirta" or "Mantua Carpetana". Others contend that the original name of the city was "Ursaria" ("land of bears" in Latin), due to the high number of these animals that were found in the adjacent forests, which, together with the strawberry tree ("madroño" in Spanish), have been the emblem of the city from the middle Ages. The most common belief today is that the name evolves from "Mayrit", from the Arabic term "Mayra" (referencing water as a "trees" or "giver of life") and the Ibero-Roman suffix "it" that means, "place". Regardless of what is believed to be true, Madrid is a city balancing its historical beauty and modern infrastructures making it the capital and largest city in Spain.
Prado Museum
The Prado Museum is one of the finest museums in Europe. It is situated on the stylish Paseo del Prado, a lovely part of Madrid with the Retiro park just a short walk away and right next to the fountain of Neptune and the stock exchange. It has some great art from artists like Goya, El Greco, Velázquez and Hieronymous Bosch. As it is such a large museum, and can take an age to get around, you may want to consider making 2 trips to the museum. The Spanish, Flemish, and Venetian schools are also well represented with outstanding masterpieces of Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese, Rubens, Van Dyck, Dürer, Brueghel. Nowhere else in the world can such a fine selection of Spanish and Venetian works be found. It is a must see for all visitors, and if you are tight on cash don’t worry! Sundays are Free!
Puerto del Sol
Puerta del Sol is the place where young people meet in the evening, or start there walk into the commercial center of old Madrid, home of lavish department Stores and small Boutiques. |