Madrid de los Borbones (Madrid of the Bourbons)

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The Habsburgs’ predominant style of the 16^th century in Madrid was replaced by that of the dynasty of the Bourbons in the 18^th century. The city’s remodeling after the splendid style of the court of Versailles began under the reign of Philip V and the urban and monumental transformation of the capital ended during the reign of Carlos III (better known as the “Governor King”). So if you want to see the splendor of that period of time, take a stroll along Calle Alcalá and nearby smaller streets and bugger boulevards. Off we goooo …. 🙂

There is no doubt that Calle Alcalá is the backbone of the Spanish capital. Here you stumble upon numerous stunning buildings like that of the Fine Arts Museum & Gallery of Madrid (Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando), Cervantes Institute, Oratorio del Caballero de Gracia and Palacio de Buenavista. The latter was built by the Duke of Alba in 1777 and today is used as the General Headquarters of the Army.

CentroCentro Palacio de Cibeles is another impressive building situated in Plaza de Cibeles. It is the former building of the post office and telecommunications centre. Nowadays it is home to the Ayuntamiento de Madrid (City Hall). It is also a venue for various events (from art exhibitions to public events).  Last but not least, its observatory desk on the top gives you the chance to enjoy the city of Madrid and the skyline from a bird’s-eye view.

Apart from Mirador Madrid at CentroCentro, the nearby Círculo de Bellas Artes (or CBA) offers one of the most spectacular, 360-degree views of Madrid from its roof. You cannot mistake the building at all because its distinctive symbol is the bronze Statue of Minerva (the ancient Roman Goddess of wisdom and art) placed as a “crown” on the top.  So, don’t miss that opportunity but take the lift with the glass doors that will bring you up there, at a height of 56metres. Once arrived, you may order a drink or two and enjoy the belvedere from the terrace.

Now let us step firmly on the ground and go back to la Plaza de Cibeles. Here we find la Fuente de la Cibeles (the Cibeles Fountain) in the middle of the roundabout. This is most important symbol and monument of the city of people with no country. It was commissioned by King Carlos III at the end of the 18^th century. It represents Goddess Metragirta (Cibeles) in a chariot pulled by two lions. The Goddess of Earth holds a scepter in one hand and the keys to the city in the other.  This is the place where the victories of Real Madrid Football Club are celebrated.

The other famous fountain in Madrid is dedicated to another God – the God of Sea. El Fuente de Neptuno (Fountain of Neptune) was finished in the 18^th century. It is located in Paseo del Prado, near el Museo Nacional del Prado (the Spanish most famous museum like the Louvre in Paris) and represents Neptune. He holds a trident and a coiled snake in both hands. Like Goddess Cibeles, the figure is in a chariot. However, unlike her he’s standing in it and it is pulled by two sea horses. Dolphins surround the God of Sea. This place is also used for celebrating victories but this time of the rivals from Atlético de Madrid Football Club.

Apart from the fountains, one enjoys the two famous gates of Madrid. The first one is la Puerta de Alcalá (Alcalá Gate). It was also commissioned by King Carlos III at the end of the 18^th century. The almost 20-metre elegant granite monument was designed as a triumphal arch and served to celebrate the victorious arrival of the Spanish King in the capital. The Gate is located in Plaza Independencia (the Independence Square). Actually, it’s the very first European triumphal arch erected in post-Roman times. It is even older than Arc de Triomphe and the Brandenburg Gate in Paris and Berlin, respectively.

Wondering here and there in Madrid, you shouldn’t skip and forget the other famous Gate of the city, i.e. the 19^th century Puerta de Toledo (the Gate of Toledo). This is among the most recent monuments in the Spanish capital. The impressive granite gate was the former entrance to the city form Andalucía as well as it was the place where King Ferdinand VII of Spain entered Madrid.