Madrid is a city of rich culture and cultural heritage, so the number of sights in this city is quite numerous. On this page you will find a list of the best tourist attractions in Madrid that you should not miss. From the magnificent Royal Palace, amazing city squares, fountains and many others.
Puerta de Alcala is one of a total of five royal gates that provided the opportunity to approach the city, with a height of 21m. It is located near the city center, in front of the entrance to Retiro Park. It faces east, and is also compared to the Roman triumphal arch. The gate was used for travelers coming from France or Aragon. King Carlos III was responsible for the construction of the gate, and the architect according to whose plan the gate was built was Francesco Sabatini, originally from Italy. At the same place where the gate was built, there was originally a gate from the 16th century built as part of the arrival of Queen Margarita from Austria. It was much smaller, and with the widening of Alcala Street, the need arose to widen the gate as well. Construction of the new gate began in 1764, and it opened its doors in 1778.
The Roman Catholic Basilica of San Francisco El Grande is located in central Madrid, and was built in the neoclassical style. It was built in the second half of the 18th century and is located in the famous La Latina district. The main facade overlooks San Francisco Square, has one large dome and several smaller ones. Many visitors agree that the exterior of the church is not something breathtaking, but its interior is what gives it great importance and what often puts it on the list of "main attractions in Madrid".
The Royal Theater or Teatro Real used to be called "Opera Theater", and is often mentioned under that name even today. The Grand Opera House is located directly in front of the Royal Palace, between Plaza de Isabel II and Plaza de Oriente. The building looks very nice, elegant and is built in a classic style. The royal palace was the residence of Queen Isabel II, and the royal theater was created thanks to her. In 1818, the Queen issued an order to build a theater, and in 1850, the theater was officially opened with a performance of La Favorite by Gaetano Donizetti.
Toledo Gate - There is something in those gates and triumphal arches in Madrid. Somehow they symbolize this city. Puerta de Toledo triumphal arch may not be a landmark that you intend to visit, but if you are nearby, it is definitely worth visiting it. It is another gate that served as an access to Madrid. Before this gate was built, there were three gates nearby, and some even from the 11th century, and today's ones replace the work from the 16th century, under the same name Puerta de Toledo. Puerta de Toledo is located between La Latina and Embajadores, and dates from the early 19th century.
The National Library of Spain is a building made in the neoclassical style and it is the largest library in Spain, and one of the largest in the world. Very nice and attractive looking, with three arches and wrought iron doors, large access steps and pillars raised above the main entrance, it may seem to be one of the most beautiful libraries you will see. In front of the entrance there are several sculptures, and inside the library there are some works of art which makes it even more impressive. It was founded by King Philip V at the end of 1711 and today represents the Royal Library, that is, in that year the king gave approval to establish a library, and in 1716 it became public. The door was open to all those eager to learn and explore.
