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Madrid Cuisine

The Madrid region (one of Spainīs smallest), as one would expect, is largely dominated by the capital city itself.  It has been said, by gourmands and food critics alike, that Madrid does not really have an individual cuisine all of its own, rather it draws on influence from the whole of Spain, absorbing a rich tapestry of flavours and ingredients and throwing them into itīs own gastronomic melting pot.

This is certainly true to some extent; in no other city in Spain are visitors likely to be presented with such a wide cross section of the nations flavours.  Despite this fact Madrid does still boast a few dishes that are synonymous with the capital and by absorbing so many influences; Madrid has become one of Spainīs richest gastronomic regions.

Famed for its stews and hotpots, Madridīs most famous dish is probably Cocido Madrileņo.  Made with chick peas and vegetables it is a staunch favourite of locals and tourists.  Callos (tripe) is also typical of the region and can be served in many ways and visitors should not leave without having sampled the simple, yet delicious, Sopa de Ajo (garlic soup).

The region is also heavily influenced by nearby Castile, an area famous for its roasted meats and these traditions have been readily absorbed by Madrilenos.

Meats are often slow cooked in a wood oven, giving exquisite flavour and tenderness. Veal, suckling pig and even goat, are often prepared in this way.  Food in the region is often more warm and hearty than in the South and is much better suited to the cooler winters of the central and northern regions of Spain.

Desserts and sweets are also a big thing in Madrid and are often seasonally produced. The superb torrijas is very similar to bread and butter pudding and a favourite in spring time and especially around the time of Holy Week.

About the Area

Madrid, Spain's capital, is a cosmopolitan city.  Its position as a centre for economics, finance, administration and services combines the most modern infrastructure with an important cultural and artistic heritage, the legacy of centuries of fascinating history.

Madrid is strategically located at the geographical centre of the Iberian peninsular, 646 metres above sea level.  Its old town is exemplary among major European cities and blends harmoniously with the most modern and convenient of urban infrastructure.

Madrid offers a broad range of accommodation and services along with the most advanced audiovisual and communication technology.  All this, combined with the momentum of a society that is dynamic and open, and at the same time warm and welcoming, has turned this metropolis into one of the western world's great capitals.

Visitors and residents alike can enjoy the sun, go for walks, go rowing or feed the squirrels in Madrid's large, impeccable parks and gardens.  The Retiro Park, once playground of Spanish Monarchs, the Casa de Campo and the Juan Carlos I Park, among others, make Madrid one of Europe's greenest capitals.

If there is one thing, however, that characterizes Madrid, it is the deep, contagious passion for life reflected in its friendly, welcoming people.  Madrid boasts concerts, exhibitions, ballets, select theatre productions and the latest cinematographic releases.

Madrid's nightlife is another major attraction.  Its pubs, bars, discos and flamenco clubs have a tremendous atmosphere, while by day there are traditional verbenas (open-air dances), or popular festivals such as the San Isidro bullfighting festival.

Attractions

Museo del Prado - With a collection of over 7000 works of art, the Museo del Prado is a museum that takes a few days to thoroughly explore.  Spanish masters are found on the first floor, with collections of Velazquez, Goya and da Riberia featuring prominently, amongst others.  Also on display are a number of Flemish and Italian works.

Estacion de Atocha - Avenida de los Toreros, Calle de Alcala, 237, named the 'Station of Noon' when it was built in 1851, but ravaged by fire in later years a large section was restored in iron.  For a railway station the architecture of the beautiful building is stylish and grand, and regarded more as a work of art.  Today it has been lifted to a loftier purpose and serves as an enormous tropical garden with over 400 species of flora, and an estimated 7,000 plants.

Plaza de Toros Monumental de Las Ventas - Avenida de los Toreros, Calle de Alcala, Opened in 1934, this is the worlds most important bullring.  Replicating the style of the 13th and 14th centuries, the vivid ceramic tiles and unusual brickwork makes the bullring an excellent example of neo-Mudejar architecture.  A statue of the bullfighter Jose Cubero, with the inscription 'a bullfighter dies and an angel is born', stands in the square facing the bullring.

Monasterio de la Encarnacion (Monastery of the Incarnation) - Plaza de la Encarnacion, 1.  The building of the monastery began in 1611 to the design of Juan Gomez de Morain, on the instruction of Felipe III's wife, Empress Margarita de Austria.  Destroyed by fire in 1734, it was rebuilt in the 1760's by Ventura Rodriguez in classical baroque style.  As the monastery is still in use by the nuns of the Augustine Order, tours of the property concentrate on certain areas only, including the monastery museum.  Well worth a visit. 

Parque del Retiro (Park of the Retreat) - Calle Alcala, Alfonso XII, Avenida de Menedez Pelayo, Paseo de la Reina Cristina - Once the hunting ground of Felipe II, now open to the public, the park is filled with pavement artists, buskers, and puppet shows over the weekends.  Visitors can also hire boats to row on the lake, or take a ride in one of the horse-drawn carriages.

Parque del Oeste (Park of the West) - Jardines del Paseo del Pintor Rosales.  This quiet and lovely wooded area was originally designed by Cecilio Rodriguez in the early 20th century on what was a huge rubbish dump.  It is planted with birch, cedar and fir trees, as well as, amongst other attractions, a magnificent 17,000-square-metre / 55,760-square-feet rose garden, known as La Roasaleda.  Over summer Ernest Hemingway's favourite street comes to life with outdoor cafes and bars along the Paseo de Pintor Rosales.

Casa de Campo (Home Field) - Calle Marques de Monistrol de Portugal is one of Europe's largest urban green spaces and has a number of sports and recreational facilities such as tennis courts, swimming pool, and a lake for rowing or canoeing.  Madrid's zoo, a cable car, and the Parque de Atracciones fun fair, with over 40 rides, are all situated on the grounds.

 

Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD) is Spain's busiest airport, handling more than 40 million passengers a year between Spain's attractive capital city and hundreds of domestic, European and international destinations.

Madrid Barajas International Airport is located 13 kilometres (eight miles) north-east of central Madrid. The Madrid Metro is easy to access from Terminals 1, 2 and 3 and reasonably easy from Terminal 4; buses provide an effective service; taxis are always available.

Capacity at Madrid International Airport was doubled in early 2006 with the addition of the new Terminal 4 and two extra runways.

Madrid Barajas Airport handles the majority of Spain's transatlantic flights, and is the foremost European airport for flights to Central and South America as well as a major hub for worldwide connections. Barajas Airport in Madrid provides extensive dining, shopping, banking, currency, business and health amenities across its four terminals. Services for families and those with special needs are available, and Madrid Airport offers parking for more than 10,000 vehicles.

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