Experience
Spain

BUCKET LIST TRAVEL : MADRID

Fit for a king

Renowned for its extraordinary museums, dazzling architecture and unique art galleries, Madrid is also famous for its good lifestyle. Let yourself be tempted by the array of restaurants and tapas bars and immerse yourself in the music scene and vibrant nightlife.

AN EGYPTIAN TEMPLE IN THE HEART OF MADRID

When you leave the Plaza de España metro station right in the heart of Madrid, the last thing you’d imagine is an Egyptian temple. It’s not that Pharaohs sent their troops to support Almodóvar’s city. Instead, this temple dedicated to the god Amun and goddess Isis was sent to Spain as a gift.

In 1968, to thank the country for helping preserve some of its historic sites, Egypt sent one of its treasures to the Spanish capital. As a result, several decades later, tourists can lose their bearings in the city and find themselves face to face with a piece of history much older than anything else.

Located in the middle of the beautiful Parque de la Montaña (Calle de Ferraz, 1), the temple is surrounded by water which constantly reflects its stunning image. The temple is particularly magical at sunset. When you’re there, wander around the hill on which the Debod Temple sits and take in Madrid’s unique and spectacular views.

As night falls, tourists disperse, and young people from the area take their place to start their evening under the auspices of the Egyptian deities. An opportunity to mix with friendly locals and enjoy the surreal view of this thousands-of-years-old Egyptian temple, illuminated with the lights of a European royal palace in the background.

Must-sees in Madrid

THE PRADO MUSEUM

This is Spain’s largest art museum and one of Europe’s most beautiful. It’s home to an unbelievable collection of paintings which showcase Spain’s history, from Goya to Velázquez via Rembrandt, Bosch and Rubens. After visiting, you can stroll through El Retiro park, an oasis of greenery in the Spanish capital made up of several gardens. The oldest tree there is reportedly 400 years old.

THE ROYAL PALACE

This Baroque palace is one of Madrid’s most beautiful locations overlooking the city. It was designed to surpass all European royal residencies. Its interior showcases the country’s elegance and extravagance over the centuries.

THE REINA SOFIA MUSEUM

In this city famous for old masters, this art centre is dedicated to modern and contemporary art with a collection that mainly showcases Spanish artists. Picasso’s famous Guernica alone is worth the visit but don’t miss Salvador Dalí and Joan Miró’s masterpieces.

TEMPLE OF DEBOD

An Egyptian treasure not far from the Royal Palace, the Temple of Debod, was saved from Lake Nasser’s waters following the Aswan Dam’s construction. It was sent to Spain as a gift to thank the archaeologists who had worked to protect the Nubian temples.

PLAZA MAYOR

The city’s most picturesque square embodies the powerful Madrid spirit. The ochre buildings lined with wrought-iron balconies, frescoes and imposing slate spires make this scene of historical events very striking. Opened as a simple food market in 1916, the San Miguel Market is just off the square and is now a hotspot of the Spanish gastronomy scene.