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Aside from the picturesque religious buildings, plazas and monuments, these landmarks reflect the historical side of Madrid . Known as puertas or gateways, these landmarks signify the termination of major routes into the city.
Most of these landmarks are best visited at night when the city s lights illuminate its spectacular scenario.
Bridge of Segovia
The oldest bridge in Madrid , it was built by Juan de Herrera during the late 16 th century. Located at the end part of Calle Segovia , the Segovia Bridge spans the Manzanares River .
In 1648, the bridge was repaired under the direction of the architect Jose de Villarreal.
During the Civil War, the bridge was totally wrecked and had to be reconstructed. The completed bridge now represents history with great magnificence.
The bridge has an outstanding view of the Royal Palace and a serene garden.
You could visit the bridge of Segovia by riding the metro and going off at Puerta del Angel .
Palacio Real - Royal Palace
The Royal Palace is also known as the Palace of the East or Palacio de Oriente and National Palace or Palace Nacional.
In 1734, the ancient Muslim fortress El Alcazar of Madrid was burnt down. Because of this, Felipe V saw it as an opportunity to build the luxurious Royal Palace.
When Filippo Juvara designed the original plan, they lacked finances and were not able to find a large location suitable for the 476 meter, 1,561 feet palace.
Juan Bautista Sacchetti redesigned the palace and completed around 1764.
The Royal Palace includes 2,800 rooms - most of which could be viewed only via a guided tour due to security reasons. All tours are organized according to what language the visitors speak or understand.
Each tour lasts 1 hour and goes around 50 of the palace s most impressive rooms. These rooms include the Official Chamber, Throne Room, Hall of the Halberdiers, Gasparini Room, Gala Dining Room, apartments of Carlos III, Museum of Paintings, Royal Armoury, Porcelain Room and the Royal Pharmacy.
If you wish to visit the Royal Palace, it is open on Mondays to Saturdays from 9:30 am up to 5:30 pm. All tours are charged with a moderate price, with a discount for students and at no cost for EU citizens during Wednesdays.
The nearest metro station is at the Opera.
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The Madrid City Walls
At this site you can see the remains of the old Moorish military outpost that surrounded Magerit s settlement. The Madrid City Wall is located at Calle Cueste de la Vega .
There are two sections of the Madrid Wall. The first enclosure used to protect a fortress built by Emir Mohammed I in the 9 th century. The second, which is a Christian enclosure, dates back from the 12 th and 13 th century.
Aside from being a practical defensive site, the Madrid City Wall used to have abundant water, which was called Mavrit - an Arabic term that means source of life , which is likely the origin of the city s name.
Around 1,100 years ago, the park beside the wall, which was named after Emir Mohammed I, played concerts and sports during summers.
Today it caters to hundreds of visitors daily, as it is one of the oldest historical landmarks in Madrid .
Puerta de Alcala - Alcala Gate
The Alcala Gate is located in one of Madrid s busiest and largest intersections. With its castle-like exterior, you can only view this gateway from afar because of the large traffic surrounding it always.
If you are from the Barajas airport on the way to Madrid City, the Alcala Gate is the first monument you will spot.
Considered as an official national monument, the Puerta de Alcala is one of the best samples of neoclassical architecture.
Ordered by Carlos III, there were five designs of five different architects that were rejected before Francisco Sabatini s design was accepted.
The main reason for the construction of this gateway is for it to serve as primary entrance of the Court.
The gateway includes features such as five granites and stone archways made by Robert Michel. On the top of the monument, you will see trophies, cherubim and the coat of arms, which were made by Francisco Gutierrez.
You could visit this gateway by riding the metro and stopping at Retiro station. Although the Alcala Gate has its unique brilliance by day, it is best visited at night when the city lights enhance its beauty.
Botero Statues
The Botero Statues are located at the Plaza de Colon - at the intersection of la Calle de Genova and Calle de la Castellana .
Fernando Botero, a 20 th century artist, is known for his artworks with inflated forms, making the human figures natural features exaggerated in size, while celebrating life s depth and mocking its role in the world.
In 1994, he had an exhibition of his sculptures in part at the Paseo de la Castellana . When the exhibit concluded, the city kept a few of his sculpted pieces.
Included in this site is the Hand - located at the heart of the area, the Reclining Woman - found in Calle Genova , and the Man on a Mule - seen at the Plaza de Colon .
You could visit these three astonishing works of art by riding the metro and dropping off at either the Nuevos Ministerios or Colon station.
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El Angel Caido - The Fallen Angel
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In Madrid , this is the only statue dedicated to the devil or the fallen angel. In fact, in all Western countries, El Angel Caido is the only public sculpture that represents Satan and the only statue wherein the devil stands alone.
The El Angel Caido was made by Ricardo Bellver in 1881. This masterpiece was put on exhibit at the World s Fair in Paris in 1887.
Originally, the artwork was made in plaster. Since Bellver s work grew popular, money was no longer a problem so that he recreated the design in bronze.
The statue reveals Lucifer as a beautiful angel. In this sculpture, his mouth is open agape in horror as snakes coil his legs. He is looking upwards as he falls from heaven.
The statue s unique features and dramatic emotions represent the moment when Lucifer was expelled from heaven for yearning God s power and leading the other angels in a revolt against God.
This sculpture could be visited by riding the metro station to Atocha .
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Fuente de Neptuno - Neptune s Fountain
Located at the Plaza de Canovas del Castillo , Neptune s Fountain is a green and serene place. Its design, which has a relaxing atmosphere, is totally the opposite from the hustle and bustle of its sister fountain, Cibeles - found just a few blocks away.
Carlos III ordered it to be built in 1780 as a part of his incessant goal of beautifying all of Madrid . Sculpted by Ventura Rodriguez , the fountain portrays the King of the Sea inside a shell-shaped carriage being transported by two horses.
The Neptune s Fountain is near two of the most high-class hotels in Madrid - the Palace and the Ritz. This fountain is also walking distance to the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza .
Every time the Atletico de Madrid football team wins a game, their fans meet up at this fountain to celebrate their victory.
You can visit the Fuente de Neptuno by riding the metro to Banco de España station.
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