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Madrid Facts |
Madrid Overview |
Madrid Tourist Attraction Madrid Location Map | Madrid City Map |
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To get the real feel of the city it is important to get the real picture of the city, its origin and its development:
History: the history of the city can be traced back to the time when a fortress was constructed on the orders of Mohamed I, an Arab Emir in 852 – 886 AD. The city has seen several owners, some conquerors while some rulers, some of them have left their mark in sands of time.Alfonso VI in the 11th century, Carlo III in the 18th century, Joseph Bonaparte in the 19th century are some of the rulers who have contributed the structures like the Palace, Paseo del Prado, Paseo del Acacias, Gran Via, Plaza Mayor, Palacio Real and many more architectural creations. The First and the Second Spanish Republic, the Spanish Civil War is important events in the history of Madrid. 11th of March 2004, saw a terrorist strike in the city which is the second disaster in Spain after the civil war in 1939.
Geography: Madrid located in the European country of Spain. Madrid is located in 43”23’ N and 3”43’ W. with a land area of 607 square km it provides a home to 3, 228, 359 people. The area experiences Mediterranean type of climate with low summer temperatures and cool winters because of the altitude of the city. Rainfall occurs in the autumn and spring months.
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Economy: after the city of Madrid became the capital of the Spanish empire, the village slowly developed into a city. Major upsurge in the economy of the city occurred after the Spanish Civil War. The main industries which have developed since then are Aircraft, chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Leather products, Printed materials etc. Apart from that the headquarters of the government offices and financial institutions are also located in the city. Many companies have their head offices in the city also. When the city of Madrid was named the European City of Culture in the year 1992 it was a landmark in the history of the city. This award was designed by the European Union to highlight the cultural achievements of a particular European city.
Social Conditions: Madrid is blessed with a cosmopolitan society which has room for both the old and the new social structure. It is an ideal place for a tourist to be in with a vibrant culture, a colorful nightlife and a shopper’s paradise. The people are fun loving and warm who welcome the tourists with open arms
and make them feel at home. The religion of Spain is Catholicism, which is practiced by the people of the capital city also. The variety in the religion is the presence of Roman Apostolicism. Fiestas de San Isidro and Romería is the two religious festivals which are held honoring the patron saint of Madrid and thereafter a pilgrimage to the saint’s meadow. Festivals are a part of the religion of the city.
Transport System: the transport system of the city has developed according to the growth in the economy. Roads and railways of the city are well developed. There is one international airport, the Barajas Airport. Another airport is being constructed to meet the global standards. The internal transport system includes the metro railway, taxicabs, public buses, private cars and rental cars. The most important feature is the presence of ring roads. In case of railway transportation the main stations are in Atocha and Charmartin.
Administration and Government: the city is divided into 21 districts which are in turn is divided into separate neighborhoods which total to 127. The mayor of the city is Alberto Ruiz – Gallardon. Madrid is one of Spain’s autonomous communities. The city of Madrid falls in the province of Madrid. The province is the third most populated region in the country. The President of the autonomous province is Esperanza Aguirre. The province attained its autonomy in the year 1983 on the first of March.
Educational Institution: the Complutense University of Madrid is the most important educational institution of the city. It is one of the oldest universities amongst all the universities of the world. There are many colleges and schools which are under this university. Apart from this there are six other public universities and many other private universities to aid intellectual development.
Cultural Life: the most popular destination of Spain is the city of Madrid. The cultural life of Madrid is alive with sports, cinema, art, literature and of course, bullfighting. From the view point of art museums, Madrid is the most important city of Europe. A number of art galleries and museums spread across the city adorn the culture of Madrid. Many festivities all year round, keep the people in an evergreen mood. The main festivals are the Carnival, the Fiestas Del 2 de Mayo and the Feria Taurina or the bullfighting, the San Antonio.
Accommodation Options: luxury, multicultural, budget or cheap hotels – whatever the need or the wish may be Madrid has a place for everyone. Whether the requirement is a five star hotel or a one star, the accommodation is ready for you! For more information visit the following sites
Food and Wine: to enjoy the food and more importantly to know what you are eating it is absolutely essential to carry a food guide or a food dictionary! It is a different experience altogether! Madrid offers the best and the variety of Spanish food on its platter – Andalusain, Riojan, Castilian, Valencian, Castilian and Galician. Apart from that exotic seafood and the very famous Tapas are a delight to the food lover’s appetite. Vegetarians don’t need to be disappointed! Though veggies are less but they are present nevertheless. And if you are missing your country there is always intercontinental food to choose from. Wine lovers! Get ready for the luxury wine tasting tours.
Shopping: major shopping centers in Madrid include the Salamanca District which has all kinds of shopping stores. What interests the ideal shopper more however, is the El Rastro at the plaza de Cascorro and the streets around it.anything and everything can be bought and sold at this place. Budget shopping calls for a visit to El Rastro or the Flea Market which has everything for everybody
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