Madrid is first and foremost a unique mix of the modern and the past. The capital of Spain consists of different quarters called ‘barrios’, each with its own special character and style that has slowly developed throughout the long history of the city. Some of the special sides of Madrid that have become most characteristic over the centuries include the Madrid of the Austrian dynasty, then that of the Bourbons, not to forget the Madrid of Goya, and the Madrid of Isabelle, to name just a few.

The most important monuments and places of interest are located in the compact area between The Royal Palace (Palacio Real) and El Retiro garden.

The Puerta del Sol is the starting point of all road distances in Spain, and has its monumental slab embedded in the pavement with the famous crest of Madrid, the bear climbing on the madroño. From this point the oldest streets of Madrid branch out in all directions. This quarter of the capital, called ‘casco antiguo’, is full of must-see spots such as the Plaza Mayor, the Monasterio de las Descalzas, the Plaza de la Villa or the Palacio Real.

The main attraction of Madrid is the Golden Triangle of Art, located on the west of El Retiro by the Paseo del Prado. It includes the Prado Museum, with epic works of such crucial artists as Diego Velasquez and Francisco Goya. Also in the Triangle are the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum, and the modern art at the Reina Sofia Museum, home of the most visited painting in Spain: Picasso`s ‘Guernica’.

Madrid is also home of the flea market "El Rastro", of bullfighters, of flamenco dancers, of antique dealers, artists and playhouses, all in contrast with Modern Madrid, its skyscrapers and vanguard buildings.

The stunning richness and diversity of heritage in the capital of Spain will be the necessary cultural complement to your Spanish language course.