madrid

After leaving Seville, I traveled to Madrid, the capital of Spain, concluding my Spanish journey. Madrid is a bustling city with grand architecture, lively squares, and world-class museums, though compared to the charm of Andalusian cities, I found it a bit more ordinary.

I explored Madrid Cathedral, capturing its stunning exterior on camera. From the main squares, I observed the city’s vibrant street life, including Puerta del Sol, where I admired the famous Bear and Strawberry Tree statue, a symbol of the city. I also photographed San Jerónimo el Real, a historic church near the Prado.

Art lovers will appreciate the Prado Museum, where I was particularly struck by Goya’s “Black Paintings”, a series of haunting and intense works reflecting deep emotion and Spanish history. I also visited Retiro Park, enjoying the crystal-clear waters of its fountains and the Palacio de Cristal, a beautiful glass pavilion nestled among manicured greenery.

Madrid’s Cibeles Palace and surrounding streets offered beautiful nighttime views, and I also wandered near the Metropolis building, admiring the city lights. A visit to the Debod Temple, an ancient Egyptian temple gifted to Spain in the 20th century, gave a glimpse into Egyptian history and its journey to Madrid.

To end the evening, I attended a Flamenco show at a local restaurant, which was energetic, lively, and full of passion, a perfect way to celebrate my last night in Spain. Despite the city’s grandeur, for me, Madrid was the most ordinary city of my Spanish adventure—but still full of culture, history, and art.