Madrid, Spain (Point of interest)

CaixaForum Madrid is a contemporary art space located on Madrid's leafy Paseo del Prado. Housed in a revamped power station, the innovative building hosts a changing programme of exhibitions, film cycles and concerts across its six floors. Swiss a... Continue reading →

Also known as the Gate of Europe, the leaning KIO Towers on Castellana resemble a pair of designer stereo speakers. Originally planned to symbolise Spain's new economic dawn in the early 1980s, they were finally finished in 1996.... Continue reading →

Buen Retiro Park ("The Retiro"), near The Prado Museum, is a large 17th-century French-style garden. Highlights include the Alfonso XII Monument overlooking the boating lake, the Crystal Palace, Velázquez Palace and the Fountain of the Falling Ang... Continue reading →

Plaza de España is dominated by two contrasting buildings, the Soviet-style Edificio de España and Benidorm-style Torre de Madrid from the Franco era. There's also a striking statue of Cervantes watching over his legendary characters Don Quixote ... Continue reading →

Once market square, Plaza Mayor became the Old-Town hub in the 17th century. Its uniform architecture is dominated by the Casa de la Panadería, whose bright frescoes only date to 1992. There's a coin and stamp market here on Sundays. Locals and t... Continue reading →

Eight streets converge on Madrid's Puerta del Sol, a bustling square located at the centre point of Spain (kilómetro cero). Look out for the grand former Post Office building and the Bear and Strawberry Tree statue, the symbol of Madrid. On 31 De... Continue reading →

San Antonio de la Florida Hermitage by River Manzanares is an exquisite 18th-century chapel and final resting place of great Spanish artist Goya. The elaborate ceiling frescoes depicting a miracle by Saint Anthony of Padua are among Goya's greatest... Continue reading →

The Society of Spanish Writers and Editors' building is an example of Catalan modernism, a rarity in Madrid and marvellously out of place in Chueca neighbourhood. José Grases Riera's creation resembles a wedding cake that hasn't quite set properly... Continue reading →