Plaza Oriente
by Nathalie_B
This row of sculptures can be found right in front of the royal palace. Actually, these are not just sculptures these are queens that originally were planned to be placed on top of the palace. But the plans have changed after the stone ladies were found too heavy for the “royal pedestal”. This is why today they are placed in a tiny park facing the palace.
Plaza de Toros
by virtualpatrick
This is one of the largest bullfighting ring in Spain. There are usually bullfights on Sundays and holidays between Easter and October; and just about daily from May through beginning of June.
Calle Alcala 237
www.las-ventas.com
+34 91 356 2200
Bullfightings
by SirRichard
This is something every tourist who comes to Madrid wants to see once!! I am not very fond of it, but will try to give you an idea of what is it all about...
Where to see it?
Madrid arena called "Las Ventas" (http://www.las-ventas.com/). This web is interesting, but is in spanish. To get there, take the Metro, line 2 (red) till the end, stop "Ventas"
When to see it?
The corridas take place every sunday (from march to october) and in certain festivities. There are special corridas in San Isidro festivities, in may, with shows every day of the week.
Prices
The prices go from 2 euros (at the very top under the sun) to 100 (first row on the shade). Why different prices for sun and shade? Because all the corridas start at 5pm, and the sun is high normally at that time...
Where to buy the tickets? The best way is in the Plaza, the fridays (10-2, 5-8) or in certain "agencies" (Victoria street, near Sol), but there is more expensive (20% more).
There is a website too, for tickets all over Spain:
http://www.ticketstoros.com/ingles/teyci.html
How does it go?
There are normally 6 bulls, played by 6 different toreros (though some may play several, depends). Each bull has to be "played" and then killed with a sword and the corrida ends when the 6 bulls are killed.
It might be a disgusting show for some animal lovers and sensible souls, but beside the bull itself, there are many colourful and ethnically interesting aspects that make a bullfight an interesting experience while in Madrid...
Anglona "secret" Garden
by agarcia
I was just walking along La Latina district, looking for fresh pictures for my photography class, when I found the place that I was not looking for; a place that I wanted to be shown, rather than discover it by mere chance.
In any case, I recognize the good taste and "fine nose" of the person who pointed to me first about this oasis of serenity in the heart of Madrid most vibrant district. Again, is because these hidden treasures why I love this city so much. :-)
Museum Musei
by SirRichard about Culture
Museum Musei is a shop specialized in reproductions of museum items. Here you will find from books on Art to mugs with Goya or Velazquez paintings on it.
There are many, I think one is at Velazquez Street, and there is one at the Barajas airport Duty Free. Nice items for souvenirs, from pencils to scarfs, umbrella, creamics...