Madrid was not always Spain’s Capital city. In medieval Spain this honour fell to Toledo. It was in June 1561 that Philip II moved the court from Toledo to the fast growing city of Madrid.
At that time the city had a population of some 30,000 inhabitants. Philip II had the good fortune to reign over Spain just as the wealth from the recently conquered south American continent was filling the royal coffers.
Philip was charged with the task of building a suitable burial place for his father.
The notorious Charles V of Austria (1st of Spain). Who whilst still in his late fifties had surrendered the crown to his son with this condition attached. A site was chosen at El Escorial (meaning the slag heap), which was from that date on to become the burial place of almost every Spanish king ,queen, royal consort ,and their children both legitimate and illegitimate.
The monastery of San Lorenzo built by King Philip at that site still serves as the Royal Burial place .This huge monastery with its 2,000 windows sits in the shadow of the impressive Guadarrama mountain range.
The small town of El Escoral which has sprung up around the monastery, sits amongst green fields. A sense of history fills it cobbled streets. Tasteful architecture continually reminds us of the presence of hundreds of royal personages from earlier, and often more troubled times than our own.
Each of these departed royals having left us with a memory of the part they played in the progress towards a modern European nation. A visit to the monastery fills you with wonder at the incredible skills of medieval builders and stone masons.
Coming back to Madrid. We find a pleasing combination of old and new in this thriving city which sits right in the heart of Spain. Here you have the Royal Palace which has been home to these many generations of royals.
Treasure troves of some of the finest art exhibitions in the world can be found in the Reina Sofia Museum, the Thyssen museum, and undoubtedly one of the most famous museums in the world –The Prado. The naval museum helps us to relive the story of the Spanish Armada, the national Archaeological museum exhibits evidence of mans development in Spain.
Famous statues such as the Cibeles fountain and the gates of Alcala adorn wide sweeping avenues. Parks filled with flowers and trees are to be found throughout the city. The cream of these being the Buen Retiro which is built round a boating lake. Top name shops and top theatre shows are always on offer in Madrid .
Eating out is a pleasure with so many good restaurants to choose from. Sitting in the social hub of Madrid’s huge Plaza Mayor with the sounds, sights and smells of a large lively and buzzing Madrid is a memory to cherish forever.
Both these fabulous destinations are included in a tremendous value for money excursion. Using a 3* City centre hotel and including an excursion to Escorial for only 188€ for 4 days B&B, May 11-14.
To book call us direct on 0034 966785910 or visit our web site www.coachtripsonline.com
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