Madrilenian • Madrilene
Restaurants in Community of Madrid
4.5 based on 3,275 reviews
I took the bus 661from Moncloa Bus Terminal, and then walked 3’ to El Escorial, and entered at 10am when it opened. The place got VERY crowded so I was glad I came early. I rented the audio guide, clicked the option “3-hour audio guide extended tour” with the most perfect itinerary and excellent description of everything. You will visit: -the amazing library -the impressive church (Renaissance artists from Italy such as Federico Zuccari and Pellegrino Tibaldi were hired to decorate its interior, and there is even a marble crucifix by Cellini!) -the main cloister with the famous paining on the ceiling by Luca Giordano with the “Triumph of the Habsburgs,” the collection of paintings in the “capitular chamber” (Titian, El Greco, etc.) -the royal apartments (where the famous Garden of Earthly Delights by Bosch used to hang together with some other 20 paintings by Bosch) -the mausolea with the royal tombs (including the tomb of Philip II and Charles V) -the hall of battles -the Bourbon apartments with an amazing collection of tapestries (the products of Royal Tapestry Factory in Madrid that you must visit!), -and the gardens. I took beautiful photos of the exterior of the Escorial. No photos allowed inside! You will explore the history of Spain’s Golden Age under the powerful Philip II, also known as “the Prudent.” He has great artistic taste and was the most influential ruler of the world during the Counter-Reformation. After or before the visit do not forget to have some Spanish food in the nearby “Tan Ricamente” as the ladies there cook themselves and it seems like eating at home.
4.5 based on 187 reviews
If in Madrid, you should definitely make a little detour to see Justo Gallego’s Cathedral! His project is nothing like you’ve seen before. I consider myself an atheist and yet was blown away by his work. The fact that he used only recycled materials too is interesting. Beware that the building is still under construction and thus a bit dangerous (you don’t want to let your kids run around). I visited it on a sunny day and was alone in the cathedral. I didn’t quite know if I could enter and which areas I could visit. But I could definitely feel the positive energy coming from this place! You can enter for free during the visiting hours. And while you’re in the area, check out Alcalá de Henares which is 15 min by car and was a major city before Madrid became the capital. (There is nothing more to see in Mejorada) This is everything you need to know about the cathedral and it’s creator: copy paste this into google: "cathedral justo gallego new york times"
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