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MADRID
Madrid, with its prominent cultural and artistic activities to compliment a dynamic nightlife, is sure to make anyone feel at-home among a cluster of three million citizens. It all started at the times of Sheikh Emir Mohamed I, who reigned between 852 and 886. His construction of the fortress on the left bank of the Manzanares River laid the cornerstone of today’s Madrid. Many battles were fought between the Christians and Arabs regarding its possession until conquered by Alonzo VI (11th century). 17th century saw a defensive wall (Mayrit) being built to fortify the newly occupied areas, which also brought the roads of Segovia, Toledo and Valencia into existence. A century later, under the rule Carlos III the great arterial routes, Paseo del Prado being one, was introduced. Declared the Cultural Capital of Europe in 1992 and a network of highways to connect the city with the rest of the Iberian Peninsula, today’s Madrid is the house of the Spanish Royal Family and a prosperous business center.
Alcala Gate (Puerta de Alcala)
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Madrid, located on the central Castilian plain and 646 meters above the sea level enjoys a continental Mediterranean climate (between 30ºC and 5ºC). Madrid’s organized construction is bliss to the visitor, enhanced further by the underground trains, Autobuses and the Taxis from Puerto del Sol (the Gateway of the Sun) - the center of the city and a starting point to all activities. The highway M-30 connects one extreme of the city to another, providing an easy access to prime tourist attractions like Plaza Mayor, Monasterio de las Descalzas, IMAX Cinema (3D movie theater) and Palacio Real.
A hotel at Madrid central is considered a comfortable accommodation. The Gran Madrid is an age-old four star superior deluxe Hotel, while Catalonia Moratin has just entered its name in the roster of paid accommodation. Cheaper accommodation is primarily a hostel or an apartment for rent, Albergue Los Amigos and Callao Gran Via being the most popular, respectively. Spoken so much, we expect you to spend a spectacular vacation in a Madrid that’s as cozy as your own house.
Egyptian Temple of Debod at night
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Crystal Palace
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Fountain in El Retiro park
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