Neighborhoods of Madrid. What to see in the vicinity of Madrid. How to get there. Where to go from Madrid Useful books, films, programs for a trip to Madrid and the surrounding area

Avila is the highest provincial capital in Spain and one of the oldest cities on the peninsula. It is located halfway between Salamanca and Madrid, an hour and a half drive from the Spanish capital.

The old town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A complex of fortifications has been preserved here - in particular, semicircular towers and gates, which are considered the most fully preserved monument of medieval fortification art in Spain. Another symbol of the city is the Avila Cathedral, surrounded by ancient mansions - the Valderrabanos, Palacio del Marques de Velada and Palacio del Pedro d'Avila palaces.

Salamanca

Located northwest of Madrid, the city is considered one of the most picturesque in Spain. It was here, in the first half of the 13th century, that the world-famous university was founded, where Columbus, Cortes and the Catholic Saint Loyola studied. In Salamanca, historical center which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserves the most characteristic examples of old Spanish architecture.

- An excellent starting point for exploring nearby attractions. You can get to all the places described below by train or bus, and one day is enough to explore them. So, where to go from Madrid for one day?

Monastery-palace complex El Escorial

The Escorial Monastery is located an hour's drive from Madrid at the foot of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains. Huge complex Escorial includes royal palace, a pantheon, a monastery, houses of famous personalities, a basilica and one of the best libraries of that time and the Renaissance in general. Here you can see works by Tintoretto, El Greco, Titian, Velazquez and Rogier van der Weyden. On the southern side of the palace there is a luxurious garden, designed according to French models.

The scale of Escorial is amazing; before it, Spain had never seen such large-scale construction projects.

How to get there: You can get from Madrid to El Escorial by train or bus. The train schedule can be found on the website. Buses 661 and 664 go to Escorial from Moncloa station.

Valley of the Fallen (Valle de los Caidos)

Not far from El Escorial is the monumental complex of the Valley of the Fallen. This is a grandiose figment of the imagination of the Spanish ruler F. Franco, built in memory of the Civil War of 1936-1939. The complex consists of a 150-meter monument in the form of a cross, a huge basilica carved into the rock, and a Benedictine monastery on an area of ​​1365 hectares. There is an elevator inside the cross that will take you to the observation deck.

The 262-meter-long basilica is the world's largest underground basilica.

Segovia

Alcazar Castle-Palace

Segovia attracts tourists with four attractions:

1. The ancient Roman aqueduct is the largest in Europe,
2. The Cathedral is the tallest building in the city,
3. The Alcazar Castle Palace is the inspiration for Walt Disney and the place where Queen Isabella promised Columbus to sponsor the discovery of America.
4. Roasted suckling pig "tostón asado".

Alcalá de Henares

The city of Alcala de Henares, 33 kilometers from Madrid, is famous for one of the oldest universities in Europe located here. Spanish grammar was also invented here, and Cervantes was born here.

Among the attractions it is worth highlighting: the Roman villa Casa Hippolytus, the archbishop's palace of the 14th-15th centuries with the gloomy archive of the Spanish Inquisition, the Santos Niños Cathedral and the Roman city of Complutum, from which Alcalá de Henares grew. Among the museums, the archaeological museum and the museum of sculptures under open air, Cervantes' house and Laredo Palace.

In addition to Alcala de Henares, along the way you can stop in Guadalajara and Sigüenza.

How to get there: take the train from Madrid to Alcalá de Henares from Madrid Chamartín station. Schedule: www.ctm-madrid.es.

Avila

Avila is the highest located among the capitals of the Spanish provinces (1131 m above sea level). Sweltering summer heat is rare here, and winter is quite cold. The historical part of the city is surrounded by a powerful fortress wall of the 11th century, 2.5 km long.

In the 19th century, the authorities of Avila intended to demolish the wall, fortunately they did not find the money for this. But now the wall has become a landmark that attracts crowds of curious tourists to the city. But it was not only the wall that glorified the city.

Avila is known throughout the Christian world as the birthplace and ministry of Saint Teresa. House where Saint Teresa was born; the cell in which she spent most of her life; the first monastery she founded; and even the Holy Finger - all this is in Avila. It is not surprising that starting from the 16th century. the city became an unofficial place of pilgrimage for believers.

Steak lovers will find an outlet in Ávila, where you can try chuletón de Ávila: steak made from a local breed of black cow. And for dessert “yemas de Santa Teresa” or simply yemas, which means the yolks of Saint Teresa (yes, that same one).

There are 2 ways to get from Madrid to Avila: by train from the Madrid-Chamartin station, by bus from the Estacion del Sur bus station on Mendez Alvoro.

Cuenca

Cuenca is clearly divided into two zones: old and new city. The old town is located on stone cliff, surrounded by gorges formed by the channels of two rivers. The historical part of the city of Cuenca has preserved a rich historical and cultural heritage: The Cathedral and the “Suspended Houses”, which have become a kind of symbol of the city.

There are surprisingly many museums in small Cuenca: the Museum of Spanish Abstract Art, the Museum of Sciences of Castile-La Mancha (Museo de las Ciencias de Castilla-La Mancha), the Museum of Cuenca, etc.

Not far from Cuenca there are no less amazing place: Enchanted City (Ciudad Encantada). Frozen stone figures create funny figures, exciting the imagination.

You can get to Cuenca from Madrid by train or bus. Train schedule. By bus from the Auto-Res bus station.

Toledo

Toledo - a city of three cultures, an open-air museum city, a city listed world heritage UNESCO. The monument city froze in the 16th century and to this day remains one of the most beautiful cities Iberian Peninsula.

Toledo preserves traces of different eras: the aqueduct and old fortress walls were inherited from the Romans, mosques and gates from the Arabs, beautiful cathedral- from the medieval kings of Castile, Alcazar - from the first Habsburgs.

Feel free to set aside a few days to visit Toledo. During the day it is filled with tourists, but in the evening the city quiets down and you can fully enjoy the spirit of the city.

Toledo is famous for its Damascus steel blades, covered in black enamel and decorated with gold and silver.

From Toledo it is convenient to go to see the mills in Consuegra.

To Toledo from Madrid: by train from Atocha station. By bus from the bus station to the Plaza Eliptica metro station.

Chinchon and Colmenar de Oreja

Also from Madrid you can take a one-day trip to Chinchon and Colmenar de Oreja. Both towns can be visited in one day.

Chinchon is the birthplace of the drink of the same name - a 35-proof vodka made from anise seeds. The city is famous for its square; thanks to its perfectly adjusted proportions, it is recognized as one of the most beautiful in the world.

You can get to both towns by bus number 337 from Conde de Casal station.

This miniature village of the 13th–16th centuries, which is on the list of the most beautiful places Spain is what the Spaniards themselves call a “time capsule.” Pedraza never grew beyond the fortress walls, and you can get into and out of the village through the only fortress gate. The ambiance of Pedraza is enhanced by the ongoing filming of local historical series and colorful themed weddings.

On the first and second Saturdays of July in the evenings, the streets of the village are illuminated exclusively with wax candles. “Candlelight Concerts” (Conciertos de las Velas) begin along with symphony concerts, which are held at the foot of the castle on these nights. It is better to book tickets in advance.

Candle Concert in Pedraza

Alcala de Henares

The beautiful Alcala de Henares, half an hour's drive from the center of Madrid, is a place of pilgrimage for all admirers of the genius of Cervantes. In 2015, the Spaniards celebrated the 400th anniversary of the publication of the second part of Don Quixote, and in 2016 they celebrate the 400th anniversary of the death of Cervantes.

In honor of the writer, the Cervantes Train was launched from Madrid, with Don Quixote and Sancho walking around its carriages. Upon arrival in Alcalá, all passengers are invited on excursions to the house where Miguel de Cervantes was born, the monastery where he was baptized, and the colorful 17th-century Corral de Comedias theater.

Don’t pass by the University of Alcalá: you are allowed to enter the chapel, the outer courtyards, and even the auditorium. Everything has remained almost unchanged since 1499, when the university was founded. The most curious can purchase an exciting guided tour right there.

The Cervantes Train departs from Atocha Station at 11:05 and returns back to Madrid at 18:50 every Saturday from April 2 to June 11 and from October 1 to December 3. Ticket price is €22, travel time is 30 minutes.

Theater performance on the Cervantes Train

Toledo

In one day in Toledo you can see all the works of El Greco, explore the Jewish Quarter, take panoramic photos from the bell tower of St. Mary's Cathedral and taste the best cheeses and marzipan in Spain. The latter are best prepared by local nuns.

In 2016, Toledo takes the baton as the gastronomic capital of Spain, so every month something new is prepared here. In July, there is a gazpacho-making championship, a week of craft beer and escabeche (freshly marinated fish) tasting. Download the gastronomic map and immediately mark the numbers 17 and 62 on it. The first is the best terrace in the city, where you can spend the whole evening and midnight getting acquainted with the wines of the La Mancha lands, and the second is the La Flor tavern, which has made a name for itself with tapas based on ancient Toledan recipes .

You can get to Toledo by train from Atocha station or by bus from Plaza Eliptica station.

Attention: Toledo is one of the hottest cities in Spain, in the summer there is real sunshine, so try to spend the afternoon hours in museums and cathedrals, where it is always cool, and respect the tradition of siesta.

Escorial

The village of El Escorial is the 16th-century monastery of Sal Lorenzo, built at the whim of King Philip II. It previously served as the autumn residence of the royal court. Almost all Spanish monarchs rest in the rich tomb. In total, El Escorial has 13 chapels, 16 courtyards, a unique collection of paintings by Titian, El Greco, Rogier van der Weyder and Bosch and an incredibly beautiful royal library. The collection of books and manuscripts is second only to the Vatican. Rare editions are stored with the spines facing inward so as not to damage the luxurious bindings.

After leaving Escorial, you can climb the hill opposite and admire the monastery from the stone throne of Phillip II, as the king himself did.

You can get there by bus No. 661 or No. 664 from Moncloa metro station.

Aranjuez

Aranjuez is spoken of not only as the spring residence of kings, but also as the most famous vegetable garden in Spain. Therefore, it is best to travel here on the vintage Strawberry Train (Tren de la Fresa), where the conductors carry fragrant berries from Aranjuez.

The Spanish capital, due to its convenient geographical location, ideal for a holiday base. The neighboring interesting cities are just a stone's throw away, and the problem is where to go from for one day, for active travelers does not exist.

In the TOP directions

Having admired the capital's sights to their heart's content, city guests usually flock to the outskirts and suburbs:

• At the foot of the majestic mountain range The Sierra de Guadarrama built the famous Escorial. The palace is well-deservedly famous, and its scale staggers the imagination of even today's engineers.
• The Valley of the Fallen is a world record holder. The memorial is dedicated to those who died in civil war, and its main attraction is the basilica, carved into the rock and stretching 262 meters underground.
• The Alcazar Castle once inspired Walt Disney to create many masterpieces. It is located in, where the historical decision was made about Columbus's campaign to the west.
• The birthplace of Cervantes, the town of Alcala de Henares boasts an abundance of ancient architectural monuments Roman era. The easiest way to get here is by train from Chamartin station.

Traveling around the capital's outskirts by car is very pleasant, but in the historical city centers there are problems with parking. Public transport in this situation it is much more convenient, especially since the bus and train connections between Madrid and the suburbs and provinces are ideal.

Universal scale

Escorial is considered one of the top destinations where you can travel from Madrid on your own. An hour's ride by train (timetables and ticket prices are available on the website - www.renfe.com) or by bus N661 and 664 from Moncloa station separates the traveler from the huge monastery-palace complex, the construction of which began in 1563 by King Philip II.
Today, the palace houses many works by great artists - Titian and El Greco, Coelho and Bosch, and the remains of Spanish kings rest in a magnificent pantheon of jasper, marble and bronze. The complex's library has collected the largest collection of Arabic manuscripts.
El Escorial is open six days a week except Mondays from 10am to 5pm. Price entrance ticket– 5 euros.
The N660 bus takes you from the palace to the Fallen in a few minutes.

From children's fairy tales

The outlines of the Alcazar Castle in Segovia will seem familiar to any child, because it was this majestic structure that told Walt Disney what it should look like.
90 km separates the city from the capital and when deciding where to go from Madrid, fans of ancient architecture choose the direction to the northwest. Segovia has the honorary status of a museum city and has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1985.
In addition to the Alcazar Palace, the largest ancient Roman aqueduct and cathedral in the Old World are worth visiting here. Numerous restaurants in Segovia offer a signature dish - roasted suckling pig.

Where to go from Madrid? A natural question that arises among travelers exploring Spain. In relative proximity to Madrid there are cities such as Toledo or Segovia, which have a unique historical heritage. These cities are full of attractions, so while in Madrid, it makes sense to set aside a few days to nearby cities. And today we will tell you which cities deserve the attention of tourists. We offer you the top 5 cities in Spain that you can visit from Madrid for one day.

Segovia is so rich in attractions that in 1985 the entire city was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Segovia is located in Castile and Leon, less than 100 km from Madrid. The most iconic sights of Segovia are considered to be the trio of aqueduct - Segovia Cathedral - Alcazar Palace. The Segovia Aqueduct is 728 meters long. During times Ancient Rome(namely, this monument has been preserved since those times) the aqueduct had an applied meaning - it was the ground part of the water supply system. Unique Feature The Segovian aqueduct is that it is completely made without connecting mortar; the granite slabs are held under their own weight. This is a real engineering miracle. The Cathedral of Segovia amazes with its scale. It is believed to be the last great Gothic cathedral to be built in Europe. The cathedral stands on a hill, so its towering shape above the city can be seen from anywhere in Segovia.

The Alcazar of Segovia is a real fortress, rising on the hill of the city. The alcazar was once considered a royal residence, which is why today, when a museum is opened here, portraits of all the kings of Castile are exhibited in the alcazar. More than 10 halls are open for inspection in the Alcazar, the most impressive of which are the hall with Venetian stained glass windows, the throne room, royal hall and a chapel. Items of furniture and interiors of the royal families are exhibited here. In addition to this world-famous trio of Segovia attractions, the city has preserved many medieval churches and interesting museums such as the Segovia Museum, Cathedral Museum, Museum contemporary art, Royal Mint.

You can get to Segovia from Madrid in just half an hour by train. True, myself railway station Segovia is located 5 km from the city, so to get directly to the center you will have to use a city bus or taxi. Another option is to travel from Madrid to Segovia by bus, which stops right at the aqueduct, but it will take a little longer. You can visit Segovia with

Son of Groucho/flickr

2.Toledo

Toledo in Spain is a kind of fortified city in which medieval sights have been preserved virtually untouched. To this day, all that remains of the fortress are walls, 8 gates and 2 bridges. The entire city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Toledo's attractions include the cathedral and ancient alcazar, castles, mosques, monasteries and churches. The city is relatively compact, so the best thing a tourist can do is to get around the city on foot, especially since around every corner there is a new attraction of Toledo.

The Cathedral of Toledo is considered the main Catholic Cathedral Spain. It is made in the traditional Spanish Gothic style, but not only the external decoration of the cathedral can amaze. Inside cathedral there are many pieces of art, incl. paintings by El Greco and Titian. The Alcazar in Toledo was built back in the 15th century and was a royal residence. The Alcazar is located on a hill in the city center, so its outline is visible from anywhere in Toledo. Most of the churches and monasteries of the city were built in the Gothic style, but there are also examples in the Baroque style or, for example, in the Mudejar style. Among the attractions of Toledo there are also several interesting museums, for example, the Sephardic Museum or the El Greco Museum.

Salamanca is a wonderful city in western Spain near the border with Portugal. Why is he so amazing? His old town has many heritage sites that have survived to this day, which were included in the UNESCO list in 1988. Unlike the Gothic Segovia and Toledo, Salamanca is filled with bright, eye-catching forms of Churrigueresco (late Baroque Spanish style of architecture), Renaissance and Art Nouveau. It is because of these combinations that a festive spirit always reigns in the city. Salamanca has preserved many churches, cathedrals and monasteries, but, of course, the highlights of the city are rightfully considered the Plaza Mayor, the old and new cathedrals and the town hall.

The heart of the city, Plaza Mayor, is a square area at the base, surrounded by numerous pompous Baroque buildings. A little to the left is the so-called university quarter, and not far from there are the old and new cathedrals, opposite which is the Palacio de Anaya. Several more palaces are located in the vicinity of Salamanca. These are Casa Abraca and Casa de las Conchas, the latter lavishly decorated with shell-like details on the façade. Salamanca is considered a city of youth and science, because an entire university campus was built here. By the way, many foreigners come here to study Spanish. Salamanca is located 200 km from Madrid. You can get here by high speed train in just an hour and a half.

Avila is another famous historical center along with Toledo and Segovia. The fortified city is located just over 100 km from Madrid. Among the most popular attractions among tourists in Avila are the fortress wall, built in the 11th century and well preserved to this day, and the Avila Cathedral of the 18th century in a magnificent Baroque style. Fans of artistic creativity will be interested to know that the cathedral houses works by El Greco.

There are also several significant monasteries on the territory of Avila, incl. the famous monastery of Encarnacion. The second largest cathedral in the city, the Basilica of Saint Vincent, is also of interest. The city is relatively small, so it is quite possible to get around it on foot. By the way, Avila is located quite high on the hill, so the weather here can be unpredictable, take care of warm clothes. You can get to Avila from Madrid in an hour and a half.

Jose Luis Cernadas Iglesias/flickr

Escorial attracts many tourists, first of all, with the opportunity to visit the famous 16th century palace of San Lorenzo del Escorial. This one is huge architectural complex consists of the chambers of King Philip II, a museum, a monastery and cathedral, a library, a pantheon and a Bourbon castle. There are so many objects that you will need a whole day to explore them. Each of the sites is worth a visit. For example, the museum houses a rich collection of paintings by Bosch, Titian, and El Greco. The cathedral, which has a Greek cross at its base, has 45 (!) altars. The Pantheon contains the burial places of all the kings of Spain. And in the Bourbon Palace you can see the royal personal collection of exquisite tapestries. Needless to say, the interiors of the premises amaze with their splendor and pomp. The park located near the palace is also worthy of attention; the landscape design of the park is made in an elegant French style.

Victor Rivera/flickr

To the question of where to go from Madrid, as you can see, there are a lot of answers, depending on your preferences. Whether you want to see a one-of-a-kind aqueduct or a fortified city, or, on the contrary, a magnificent baroque city, or a castle at the foot of a mountain, in any case, the choice is yours. The cities close to Madrid really deserve the attention of tourists; visiting them helps to better understand the culture and architecture of Spain, that’s for sure. You can find out more about the availability and cost of living in hotels in Madrid for specific dates on the booking website Booking.com–> .

Practical and eventful travels to you!