Old Madrid

Old Madrid
Old Madrids story begins with Muhamed the First, a Moorish king who decided to set up shop bang smack in the centre of Spain. He and his minions built a stone wall around the city and got to work on Moorish architecture and underground waterways, some of the latter is still being excavated when the council needs to plough into the plumbing works and stumbles upon the ancient sewage works of Muhammad, probably best that it has had over 1000 years to sit, who knows what they would have been eating in those days
Take a journey back in time by starting your stroll at park Emir Muhammad the First
Pass by The Royal Palace and imagine how poor Muhammad would have felt when his fortress was flattened by the Christians in the 11th century to build their own one which was damaged in a fire in the 17th century when the royal family thought the alarm was a call for mass. Wander up Mayor street where you will find a plaque commemorating an assassination attempt on the kings wedding day in 1906 by an extremist young man from Catalonia.
See
The Moors never took to building squares, maybe to regulate temperature or maybe to stop their wives from gossiping. This explains why Madrids first square, Plaza de la Villa, was built by the Catholic kings in the late 15th century. Notice the Moorish horse shoe door where it all started and was extended up into the tower of Lujanes, the Trump Tower of the 15th century. Take the little shortcut to Calle del Codo, street of the elbow, so called because of its shape. You will pass by the door of the Corpus Christi Convent , also known as the coal womens convent. The nuns found a painting of the virgin Mary in a coal bucket and earned themselves this nickname ever since. They sell homemade pastries but be sure to come at the right time or you will be going home empty handed. If this happens do not despair, the San Miguel market is just around the corner in San Miguel square. From juicy oysters to pure fruit smoothies, it has something for everyone.
The Royal Theatre Teatro Real is a major opera house located in front of the Royal Palace and home to the Royal Theatre Company. Here you can see ballet and classical music concerts. Check out their daily tours and fascinating museum .
Plaza Mayor , this beautiful plaza in the centre of Madrid was built by the Hapsburg dynasty in the early 17th century and held its first public execution in 1624 when a man was burned alive for masquerading as a priest. Although the Spanish Inquisition lasted a blood chilling 300 years, never fear, nowadays the only thing to be worried about is the amount of tourists who come during the summer season. Do not miss the statue of Philip the 3rd who had his architect build the square in 1612. One story that does not appear in most guides is that of the statue of Philip the 3rd on horseback, who named Madrid capital of Spain in 1561. It is said that birds used to fly into the hollow statue through the horses mouth. This was only discovered in 1931. When the second republic was proclaimed and anarchy ensued, explosives were thrown at the statue by anti monarchists. It exploded and out flew feathers and remains of birds that had flown in over the years for shelter but could not get back out. Subsequently, what looks like dentures have been soldered to the horses mouth so the gap is too small for any unsuspecting bird to wander in. Who knew those explosive yielding rebels are to thank for preventing any more avian deaths
The The Royal Palace of Madrid is the citys largest and most impressive buildings. Feel like royalty when you visit this beautiful palace, just a short walk from Sol
This must-see monument will transport you to a bygone era of regal customs and fascinating traditions. Appreciate the sense of history as you visit the 50 ornately decorated rooms which have been opened to the public. Originally built to replace a Moorish fortress in the middle ages, it suffered a fire in the 18th century and the building was replaced to accommodate King Charles the 3rd. The interior allows us to marvel at the luxury and excess of the Bourbon dynasty, each king added his own decorative touch such as the Hall of Mirrors added by Charles the 4th and many decorative details such as clocks and chandeliers added by Ferdinand the 7th.
Unfortunately the royals now reside on the outskirts of Madrid but the astounding decoration allows us to be transported back in time and imagine ourselves at one of the royal balls or furtive meetings in hidden passageways. Against this luxurious backdrop you can explore the personalities of the idiosyncratic royals by revealing the secrets of their lives and loves.
Eat and drink
El Botin is reputedly the worlds oldest restaurant. According to the Guinness book of records it opened in 1725, it certainly looks its age with antique tiles, old wood and fires roasting. American writer Ernest Hemingway was a fan of this restaurant and his favourite dish, roast suckling pig, is still a speciality. Considering the restaurants credentials the prices are reasonable but not recommended for those on a shoestring budget.
Culture
After dinner immerse yourself in Spanish culture by going to a Flamenco show in Corral de la Moreria The polka dot swishing heel clapping passion will leave you mesmerized.
Nightlife
At the bear and the berry tree, El Oso y el Madrono, ask for a shot of berry liquer from the famous Madrid symbol, the Madrono tree. While sipping this legendary drink, ponder over their plaque behind the bar which illustrates the evolution of the symbol of Madrid step by step.
Transport metro lines. Bus lines also passing Plaza Mayor can be found.