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Best of Madrid
» Guernica
Guernica was painted by Pablo Picasso at the time of the Nazi German bombing of Guernica, Spain, by twenty-four bombers, on April 26, 1937 during the Spanish Civil War. Picasso painted it until a few days after the destruction of Guernica. The picture contains a hidden message of protest against the terror of war and fascism. Guernica was the cradle of the Basque nation, and Picasso's canvas made it a household name around the world.
Because "Guernica" was banned in Spain during Franco's era and because of a provision in Picasso's will, which bequeathed it to the "democratic" state of Spain, the picture hung until 1981 in the New York Museum of Modern Art.
» Urban oases
Across Calle de Alfonso XII, at the southwest corner of Parque de Retiro, is the Real Jardín Botánico (Botanical Garden) (tel. 91-420-30-17; Metro: Atocha; bus: 10, 14, 19, 32, or 45). Founded and opened in the 18th century (1781), these beautiful gardens achieved an international reputation through the import of plants and seeds from America and the Philippines. This garden contains more than 104 species of trees and 3,000 types of plants. The park boasts numerous fountains and statues. There are also two exposition centers, the Velásquez and Crystal palaces, and a lakeside monument, erected in 1922 in honor of King Alfonso XII. This Garden has a specialized library which includes 10,000 drawings of the flora of New Granada brought from South America by the celebrated botanist Celestino Mutis. The park is open daily from 10am to 9pm except in August; admission is 1.50€ ($1.70).
Another beautiful park in Madrir is the "Parque de Retiro", originally a playground for the Spanish monarchs and their guests, extends over 140 hectares (350 acres). In this park you'll find "El Cáson del Buen Retiro", a building from 1886, in which are exposed works of great painter Picasso. The park is open daily 24 hours, but it is safest from 7am to about 8:30pm.
» Tapas
A "Tapa" is a free snack to be placed on top of a drink to keep flies and other what-nots out. Like in almost all parts, the practice of consuming tapas in Madrid is inseparable from the agglomeration of masses in small spaces. Here in Madrid "tapas" include: Potato chips, green olives, small bits of rabbit with garbanzo beans, and a large bowl of snails cooked in a tomato sauce. Tapas can also be ordered off the menu and are often a better buy than the "raciones".
There are several places in Madrid where you can eat many varieties of "Tapas". Some of them are La Taberna de Antonio Sánchez Tapas (Mesón de Parades 13. tel. 91-539-78-26), Casa Mingo Asturian/Spanish (Paseo de la Florida 34. tel. 91-547-79-18), Cervecería Alemania Tapas (Plaza de Santa Ana 6. tel. 91-429-70-33) and Cervecería Santa Bárbara Tapas (Plaza de Santa Bárbara 8. tel. 91-319-04-49).
» Verbenas
A verbena is a popular Madrid festival, with dancing and fair attractions, drinks and food. The verbenas of Madrid are well-known, attracting people from all over Spain and from all over Europe. On May 15, the city celebrates its patron saint, San Isidro, with several typical events such as verbenas, romerías and the best bullfights of the year. During July and August the city celebrates the Villa Summer, with theater and cinema events, verbenas and music shows organized by the city’s authorities. All the verbenas are related to a religious festival. In August there are several traditional verbenas in the barrio of La Latina.
» La Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida
On Madrid´s Paseo de la Florida you will find the Real Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida, which aside from being the final resting place of the great Spanish artist Goya is also known by some as Madrid´s Cistine Chapel. The frescoes portray a celerated miracle by Saint Anthony of Padua (Milagro de San Antonio de Padua) and are thought to be one of Goya´s masterpieces. That painting represents one of his most important works.
The hermitage of San Antonio de la Forida, built during the kingship of Carlos IV, Forida was designed by the architect F. Fontana. Goya painted the cupola and the pendentives between June and December 1798.
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