Puerta del Sol is the Symbol of Madrid, Spain

One of the most popular and busiest spots in Madrid is known as Puerta del Sol. Tourist can start exploring Madrid right from here. It is a destination which offers a lot to do with its central location. The name was taken from a city gate located in the fifteenth century. The face of the gate was to the east so the sun dawn on it, hence called Puerta del Sol or English called Sun Gate. The modern semi oval square was created in the 19^th century. Without doubt it is the official center of Spain and the heart of the Madrid.

The area remains crowded and lively both at day and night but almost car-free. It has different popular meeting points. The linked streets been rushed with people and radiate from the Puerta del Sol to other important (famous) sights such as famous Plaza Mayor, and the Opera House.

A big equestrian statue of King Carlos III is fixed in the middle of the Puetra del Sol between two big fountains on a giant thick wall, installed here in 1997. These fountains become meeting points in evenings. On the south side of the semi circle you will see a clock tower a part of a beautiful eighteenth century red brick building named the Casa de Correos. The building was design by the French architect Jacques Marquet and established in 1768 as the city’s main post office. Later in 1866, the clock tower was added there.

Meeting under the clock tower is so famous among locals. This place is also a popular spot on New Year Celebrations. Hundreds of people come to watch the clock strike midnight. Statue of “El Oso y El Madrono” is also a spot popular among people to meet there. This is a Bear and a Strawberry tree statue, a twenty ton statue of bear eating fruits from a tree. Its name is in Spanish while this has become emblem or symbol of the city from the Middle Ages.  

Near Year Ceremony in Puerta del Sol

New Year Eve in Puerta del Sol

Puerta del Sol is bathing in green lights

Royal Palace of Madrid, Palacio Real, Madrid, Spain

One of the most popular palaces in Europe the Palacio Real is also called Royal Palace located on the east of Madrid historic center, very near to Plaza de Espana (it is the Madrid’s largest and most popular square),  Spain. Palacio Real is an amazing building people can’t stop to say wow especially after adventuring inside beauty scattered everywhere in this huge complex. This impressive palace has more than 2000 rooms which invite to explore.

Royal Palace of Madrid

In 1734, on Christmas Eve when unfortunately the Royal Fortress burned down by a fire originating in the rooms, their king named Philips V immediately wanted to convert the building by a palace. He wanted a strong building so the limestone and granite was used to make palace fireproof. The whole structure was made with stones and bricks not wood, to keep the palace from fire. Work was started between 1738 and 1755 king established his residence there in 1764.

 Gardens in Royal Palace of Madrid

 People Gathered & Taking Selfies In The Gardens of Royal Palace of Madrid

In 1764 the king Carlos III who was the King Philips V shifted himself into the new place. This Palacio Real remained residence of next upcoming Kings until 1931. Today a small Zarauela Palace (this building is a former hunting lodge outside Madrid) is the residence of royal family not the old Royal Palace. Rolyal Palace of Madrid is still used for only official ceremonies.

The design of new palace was given by an Italian architect Pilippo Juvarra. The Italian architect and Felipe V didn’t remain alive to see the completion of their massive construction. The huge palace covering as area of 135000m2 took 26 years to complete. While the decoration of 2800 rooms take another 100 years.

Interior Royal Palace of Madrid

Interior Royal Palace of Madrid

Throne Room in Royal Palace of Madrid

Throne Room in Royal Palace of Madrid

Interior of the Palacio Real (Royal Palace of Madrid) is spectacular. People access palace through a large plaza named de la Armeria. 50 rooms are open to the general public, but don’t worry tourists these are spectacular too. A huge number of antiques can be found throughout there, some of the master works by famous artist such as Velazquez, Tiepole, and Goya give the tourists a wow touch. The royal army museum is located at the west of the palace called Armeria Real. It is a room with unique collection of armory. The armor suit of Charles V is also hanged there.

The parks and gardens in the Palace is called Campo del Moro that starts from river Rio Manzanares to Royal Palace. Visitors often enjoy the spectacular view of palace from the lawn of the park.

The statues of King Philips IV can be seen in the square Plaza de Oriente, while sculpture of other kings and queens are fixed in the square too. These statues are very heavy and made of with limestone.

In the months of October to March the Royal Palace (Palacio Real) is open Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m, while Sundays and other holidays the timing is 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

In April to September the Palacio Real is open Monday to Sturday form 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m, wile on holidays the timing is 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

A Night Picture of Royal Palace of Madrid

I Think At Night Image of Royal Palace of Madrid Looks More Gorgeous

It can be pleased to enjoy the changing of the guard ceremony of Royal Palacetakes place at noon on the first Wednesday of the month. Read these things carefully and try to make your palace visit plane on rights days to collect more entertainment.

Park Guell, Barcelona's Top Attraction, Spain

Pavilion View

Park Guell is a famous public park beautifully constructed with gardens and architectonic elements located on Carmel Hill, in La Salut (it is located in north of Garcia District of Barcelona).  The park Guell’s main staircase and fancy pavilions were originally designed and built by famous artist Antoni Gaudi.

 Stairs Leads to the Sala Hipostila

 Meet Dragon-Like Lizard in the Center of Stairs 

Actually this place was constructed for some housing society in 1900, in which many houses were to build to sell them. But unfortunately they cannot sell even a single house. So the project went failed. According to story a popular Catalan industrialist named Eusebi Guell take a big area of about 17 hectare on a hill station of district Gracia. The area was very near in north of Barcelona. The idea was to make this plot into residential garden village (the idea was taken from English model villages). The project started and development was in progress. They built several public houses along with beautiful gardens.  In early 19th century the industrialist hire famous Antoni Gaudi with his support he also hired architects such as Josep M. Jujol and Francesc Berenguer. Antoni Gaudi was involved 10 to 13 years with this project since Guell declare it a failure project, because he failed to sell a single house. The project was abandoned in 1914. Since then Guadi had created 3 Kilometres long roads and walks, a plaza and two main gatehouses in his different style of creation. Soon the state of Barcelona acquired this property and declared this area as a public park.

 Columns are Standing under Sala Hipostila's Roof

There are two Hansel and Gretel buildings at the entrance of the park with curved roofs and decorated with colored tiles and ornamented spires. The pavilions, designed by Gaudi also the staircase at the entrance of the park. There can be a beautiful view from the top. The staircase is also guarded or decorated by a huge dragon lizard at the center. The stairs lead to the Sala Hipostila a building standing with 86 big columns. This is a huge hall under a plaza which is on the top of Sala Hipostila. This plaza was originally built as a market for the people living there. This plaza is beautiful bordered with beautiful tiled bench. A curving bench sinuously around its perimeter and designed by architect Josep Jujol, Gaudi’s nearest friend. Bench is snakelike twisted around the plaza. Tourist can enjoy a wonderful view of the city from plaza.

Roof of Casa Hipostila 

There is a house to the right is called Casa Museu Gaudi. A building with a small tower you can recognized far from. In this building Gaudi spent most of his last years from 1906 to 1926. The house was designed by Francesc Berenguer in 1904. Today the house serves as a museum. It contains some Gaudi’s furniture (including some items from La Pedrera, Casa Batllo, and Casa Calvet) and some more other memorable historic items. Buildings in the park are laced through a covered path many of them are supported by tree like columns.

Covered Paths

In 1984 the park was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO, duo to its antique look. It is another honour for Gaudi’s creation.     

Decorated Benches in Park Guell

Decorated Benches in Park Guell

La Rambla Street, Most Popular Tourist Attraction Street in Barcelona, Spain

La Rambla is the most popular street in Barcelona and a tourist’s magnet both for foreigners and local visitors. The street is full of Catalan culture, with cultural centers, flower stalls, beautiful architecturally intriguing buildings, theaters, coffee shops, restaurants, and beautiful lush green trees lining its sides. This street is also the major shopping center in the city. The street is also famous for the quality of its street performers. In the evenings a huge crowd gathers there to listen to musicians along the road. The length of the street is about half of a mile.  One of the most favourite activities of the visitors is to walk along this lovely promenade.

According to history Rambla was the name of a small stream flowing through just outside the city walls but usually remained dry but important way for rainwater during spring and autumn seasons. In sixteenth century La Rambla established by the government and became as a centre of city Barcelona. Several religious establishments and a university were built along the river. In coming years the walls were torn down and many buildings were stood up along the river which was going almost dried up. In 19^th century many of the old buildings were demolished and La Rambla is divided into five parts, which explains why many know it as La Ramblas.

 Small Restaurants on the way Looking Beautiful

Popular Attractions on La Rambla Street:
There are many reasons to visit La Rambla, Barcelona, Spain. Take a stay during walk and enjoy the performance by local artists, there are different beautiful created human statues spread on the street.

The Wan Museum and the Erotica Museum are also other attractions available along the road. The Modernist Boqueria Market is another attraction, while Font de Canaletes, a fountain is also serves as a popular meeting point along La Rambla where many visitors also stop to see this famous fountain, which serves the drinking water. Locals claims that once you drink from the fountain, you will keep coming back to Barcelona.

There are many hotels available along Las Ramblas but not much famous for exceptional quality services. On these hotels you may not serve with cheap rates, the prices are higher like other any tourist street. However the restaurants are beautifully decorated. There are many shopping centers in which you can find everything you need.  But be-aware from pickpocket and keep your wallets and bags from them or carry these important things carefully.

Street Performances At La Rambla

Street Performances At La Rambla

Street Performances At La Rambla

A View At Night of La Rambla Street