Madrid
Madrid
+ Madrid
Sights
* Basilica de San Francisco El Grande
* Basilica de San Miguel
* Botín
* Calle de Serrano
* Casa de América
* Casa Museo de Lope de Vega
* Casa de la Villa
* Casón del Buen Retiro
* Catedral de La Almundena
* Catedral de San Isidro
* Centro Cultural Conde Duque
* Convento de las Carboneras
* Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida
* Estadio Santiago Bernabéu (Bernabéu Stadium)
* Iglesia de las Calatravas
* Iglesia de Las Salesas
* Iglesia de San Andrés Apóstol
* Iglesia y Convento de las Trinitarias
* Mercado de San Miguel
* Monasterio de la Encarnación
* Museo Arqueológico Nacional
* Museo Nacional de Antropología
* Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas
* Museo De La Real Academia De Bellas Artes De San Fernando
* Museo Cerralbo
* Museo Chicote
* Museo del Ejército
* Museo Naval
* Museo Romántico
* Museo Del Traje
* Palacio de Comunicaciones
* Palacio de las Cortes
* The Paseos
* Plaza de la Cibeles
* Plaza de Toros de las Ventas
* Puerta del Sol
* Puerta de Toledo
* El Rastro (Rastro Flea Market)
* Real Fábrica de Tapices
* Real Jardín Botánico
* Teleférico
* Telefónica
Excursions
+ Excursions
Walk/Drive
Food&Drink
In The Know
Did You Know?
( Highly Recommended )
The events of 23 February 1981 marked a turning point in Spanish history. Civil Guard commander Colonel Tejero entered the Salón de Sesiones in the parliament building, firing his pistol and ordering delegates to the floor. Television cameras relayed the action live to a shocked country and for a while it looked as if Spain might revert to military dictatorship. Discussion of those events are the prime topic during the 45-minute tours of this neo-classical mid-19th century building. First, however, you pass through four rooms as the guide describes the ornate paintings, chandeliers and furniture. There are portraits of 19th-century politicians and an intriguing 3m-high clock that registers the weather and humidity, as well as the date and time. Spaniards study the seven constitutions of Spain - from the earliest (1812), to the current one issued in 1978 and signed by Juan Carlos.
The highlight, however, is the deputies' chamber with its 350 leather armchairs. The order of seating for the cabinet reflects the seniority of the ministry; two panels show how individual members vote: sí, no or abs. But what Spaniards of all ages want to know is, 'where are the bullet holes?' Even bored teenagers pay attention as the guide points out the 40 punctures in the walls and ceiling. Parents recall those momentous hours when tanks threatened Valencia, and Spain waited to see whether or not the new democracy would survive.
Url: www.congresodelos diputados.es
Address: Plaza de las Cortes s/n
Phone: 91 390 60 00
Hours: Sat 10:30-12:45, guided tour only every 30 mins by appointment Mon-Fri. Closed Aug, public hols
Restaurant: Plenty near by (Inexpensive)
Metro: Sevilla
Accessible: Good
Admission: Cheap
Other: Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza
Practical: Official ID (such as a passport) required, free booklet given out
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