Spain 2024 Madrid to Barcelona

We had a break in the afternoon, and got our esim in working order.

In the early evening we went on our bus excursion around Madrid. I will explain the pictures, in the order that they are in.

1 - Plaza de Toros Las Ventas. The bullring in Madrid. The tour guide explained that even though bullfighting is a dangerous and fatal sport, it is in the blood of the Spanish. It was explained, that the bulls are bred from old bloodlines. The bulls are not prepared in any way, except fighting amongst other bulls. They spend their time in open fields. The bulls are worn down by running, being stabbed, during the show.

2 - Spanish Architecture

3, 4,5, 6- is the Plaza de. Cibeles in the centre of Madrid. #3 picture is Fuente de Cibeles fountain. A Phrygian goddess who had a significant cult in Rome, and is seen as one of Madrid’s most important symbols. The fountain depicts the goddess, sitting on a chariot pulled by two lions. It was built in the reign of Carlos III and designed by Ventura Rodríguez between 1777 and 1782.

The fountain of Cybele has been adopted by the football club Real Madrid, whose fans use the area to celebrate its triumphs.

#4 view down the street towards the Metropolis building (black dome) which was finished construction in 1910. If I remember correctly it is an office building. Much more imaginative design than our office buildings.

#5 - Palacio de Cibeles - this cathedral like landmark was built in 1909 as the head quarters of the postal service. It was a museum until 2007, and is now Madrid’s city hall.

#6 - Palacio de Linares - this Baroque was built in 1873 by a rich banker. By the late 1970’s had fallen into disrepair and was completely renovated in 1992. It is now Casa de America, a cultural centre and art gallery focused on Latin American Art.

#7 “Julia” in 2018. Plensa designed the sculpture specifically to replace the sculpture of Columbus, who the square is named after, which used to be in the same spot.

Julia is part of a joint initiative from the Cristina Masaveu Peterson Foundation and the Madrid city council to bring art to the streets of the Spanish capital.

"Tenderness and silence"

Plensa told the press that the sculpture is intended to represent "tenderness and silence," and that he hopes it will serve as a "mirror" to help recover a sense of serenity in society.

#8 menu at our restaurant

#9 our group at the restaurant

#10 tuna and tomato salad. I hope to remember to take pictures of food, as it is definitely an experience all on its own.

I hope to post day 2 later today. We are off on another excursion this afternoon. I did this post while travelling to Cordoba.

I hope the map tells you where we are daily.

Anne.Read more