Spain: Exploring Madrid (Part 1)

❤️ Puerta del Sol ✅ One of Madrid's iconic landmarks and the starting point of Spain's radial road network 👉 Centered around Puerta del Sol, ten major streets radiate outward. On the east side of the square stands the historic Puerta del Sol site, originally Madrid's eastern gate and a city symbol. It has witnessed countless historical events while serving as a vibrant hub for leisure and entertainment. ❤️ Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales ✅ A royal religious monument of Spain 👉 Built during the 16th-century Habsburg era, this monastery epitomizes Spanish royal religious architecture. Highlights include the convent, chapel, royal staircase, balconies, and exquisite frescoes. As a retreat for many Habsburg family members, it houses priceless collections of paintings, tapestries, religious sculptures, and relics. ❤️ Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando ✅ The cradle of countless Spanish artists 👉 Madrid's most prestigious art academy, housed in an 18th-century Baroque building. Its renowned museum boasts masterpieces from the 16th to 19th centuries that shaped Spanish art history, with the oil painting "Spring" as its crown jewel. ❤️ Catedral de San Isidro ✅ The cathedral honoring Madrid's patron saint 👉 Dedicated to San Isidro, Madrid's patron saint, whose annual festival is among the city's most important. This 17th-century Baroque cathedral features striking twin towers and enshrines the saint's relics as its most sacred treasure. ❤️ Museo Nacional del Prado ✅ One of the world's most celebrated art museums 👉 Established in the 18th century, it holds Spain's most comprehensive and authoritative collection of paintings and sculptures, boasting over 30,000 priceless works. Highlights include unparalleled collections by Titian, Bosch, Rubens, El Greco, Velázquez, and Goya. ❤️ Museo Reina Sofía ✅ Home to modern artistic masterpieces 👉 One of Madrid's top art museums, housed in a palace-like building with two floors. It showcases seminal works by modern Spanish masters like Picasso, Dalí, Miró, and Tàpies, with Picasso's iconic "Guernica" as its centerpiece.