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| Cibeles, Madrid |
Madrid!
Spain's picturesque capital and once the centre of an empire, is a must visit for anyone interested in delving into the inner fabric of Spanish culture. Home to some of the most impressive art collections in the world, and two of the most famous football teams.
Madrid
Madrid is Spain's capital and largest city. It is an incredibly vibrant city that never sleeps, except on Sundays!
Shopping
Gran Vía, shopping street. Puerto del Sol. Biggest Zara in the world
Recreation
Parque del Retiro, Templo de Debod.
Attractions
Royal Palace, Puerta de Alcalá, Plaza Mayor, Cibeles.
Museums
Triangle of museums.
Food
Plaza Mayor, Mercado de San Miguel, Oldest restaurant in the world - Sobrino de Botín
Football
Madrid boasts being home to two of the most famous football teams in the world, Real Madrid CF, and Atlético de Madrid CF. They are not only domestic rivals, but have also met twice in recent years (2014, 2016) in the final of the most prestigious club tournament in Europe, the UEFA Champions League. Real Madrid won on both occasions, and normally get the upper hand. Internationally and across Spain, Real Madrid CF has a larger following because of its history, but inside the city of Madrid Atlético has a huge following of sufridores, (sufferers), as they call themselves, because they have traditionally always come up short when measuring up to the talent of Real Madrid. However, in recent years under the leadership of their Argentinian coach Diego Simone, Atlético de Madrid has created a solid consistent squad, which can compete through grit and hard work with the flair of their more affluent rivals Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona. The rivalry between Real Madrid CF and Atlético de Madrid is not as politically charged as the rivalry between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona, but is perhaps one of class consciousness. Generally speaking, Atlético has a larger following within the working class community, whereas Real Madrid is the favourite amongst most upper class Madrilenians.
Watching either team in a match in LaLiga, or the UEFA Champions League is a lot of fun where you are guaranteed to witness some of the very best athletes of the "beautiful game" in action.
Santiago Bernabeu
Wanda Metropolitano
Until recently, Atlético played their home matches at the Vicente Calderón near the Manzanares River, but they now play at the modern state-of-the art venue Wanda Metropolitano.
Annual Events
Dia de la Hispanidad, Madrid, Community of Madrid (October)
This celebration commemorates Spain´s legacy to the world, especially the discovery of the Americas. It corresponds to Columbus day in the United States. Although it is celebrated across the Peninsula with processions in many cities, the greatest spectacle is in Madrid, where it is celebrated with military parades, including fly-overs by the air force.
