Madrid Overview
By Roz Andrews
Madrid, the capital city of Spain in the center of the country, is probably the only place in the world where you can see a statue of Satan. Created by Ricardo Bellver in 1878, the Fallen Angel (Angel Caído) stands at the southern edge of the Parque del Retiro.
Wander the city streets and admire the many beautiful old palaces, mansions, churches, monasteries, and other buildings, the most impressive of which include the Town Hall (Casa de la Villa), and the Royal Palace (Palacio Real). The remains of the city walls are the oldest structures in the city, dating from the ninth and tenth centuries.
In the early evening, the best places to eat tapas or watch flamenco dancers are in the cafés and bars of the winding streets off Plaza Santa Ana. Tapas are fairly substantial, savory snacks and include such delicacies as fried squid, red peppers with anchovies, shrimps cooked in garlic, and Spanish Omelet.
Afterwards, stroll through Paseo de la Castellana, the most fashionable area of the city, dotted with trendy bars, restaurants, and designer stores.
Although it is considered barbaric by some, bullfighting has a long tradition in Spain and still takes place in the impressive Las Ventas Bullring in Madrid. The main bullfighting festival, San Isidro, is held there in May and June. Go!
