Palacio de Cristal (Crystal Palace), Madrid (must see)
Perched by a small artificial lake and encompassed by the majestic chestnut trees of Retiro Park, the Crystal Palace stands as a remarkable example of iron architecture in Madrid. Initially conceived as a colossal greenhouse to showcase tropical flora during the 1887 Flora Exhibition of the Philippine Islands, it was closely modeled on the building of the same name in London's Hyde Park.
Adorned with expansive glass panels, the palace creates an ethereal ambiance, complemented by delicate ceramic embellishments in the form of friezes and decorative accents that enhance its allure. The ingenious use of cast iron columns and generous glass surfaces allows for a spacious and grand interior. In 1975, a restoration project was undertaken to preserve and revive its original splendor.
Today, the palace serves as one of the prestigious venues of the Queen Sofia National Museum Art Centre in Madrid. Managed by the museum, the space hosts a diverse range of temporary exhibitions and artistic installations, enriching the city's cultural landscape.
Why You Should Visit:
The exterior is lovely, particularly when seen next to the fountain at the front, and of course, the building itself is a beautiful design.
Upon entering, you are free to explore the interior and look around, as admission is free (including access to occasional exhibits).
As the sun sets, the lights come on and it takes on another life again.
Tip:
For a picture-perfect moment, capture the palace's intricate iron architecture reflecting in the nearby lake. The optimal time to snap the perfect shot is at sunrise, when the light beautifully dances off the numerous glass panels.
Adorned with expansive glass panels, the palace creates an ethereal ambiance, complemented by delicate ceramic embellishments in the form of friezes and decorative accents that enhance its allure. The ingenious use of cast iron columns and generous glass surfaces allows for a spacious and grand interior. In 1975, a restoration project was undertaken to preserve and revive its original splendor.
Today, the palace serves as one of the prestigious venues of the Queen Sofia National Museum Art Centre in Madrid. Managed by the museum, the space hosts a diverse range of temporary exhibitions and artistic installations, enriching the city's cultural landscape.
Why You Should Visit:
The exterior is lovely, particularly when seen next to the fountain at the front, and of course, the building itself is a beautiful design.
Upon entering, you are free to explore the interior and look around, as admission is free (including access to occasional exhibits).
As the sun sets, the lights come on and it takes on another life again.
Tip:
For a picture-perfect moment, capture the palace's intricate iron architecture reflecting in the nearby lake. The optimal time to snap the perfect shot is at sunrise, when the light beautifully dances off the numerous glass panels.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Madrid. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Palacio de Cristal (Crystal Palace) on Map
Sight Name: Palacio de Cristal (Crystal Palace)
Sight Location: Madrid, Spain (See walking tours in Madrid)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Madrid, Spain (See walking tours in Madrid)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Madrid, Spain
Create Your Own Walk in Madrid
Creating your own self-guided walk in Madrid is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Buen Retiro Park Walking Tour
Buen Retiro Park, which translates to "Park of the Pleasant Retreat", is one of the main attractions in Madrid. Similarly to Central Park of New York City or Hyde Park of London, this former royal retreat is the most popular public outdoor space in the Spanish capital.
A green oasis in the heart of the city, the park has long been a favorite spot for both locals and tourists to go for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
A green oasis in the heart of the city, the park has long been a favorite spot for both locals and tourists to go for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Madrid Food Tour
Spain is internationally reputed as a major gastronomic power and its capital city Madrid attests to this claim, being home to vibrant food markets and multiple establishments serving traditional Spanish food in a soul-warming atmosphere.
One of the iconic food destinations is Plaza Mayor, a bustling town square where you can savor traditional Spanish dishes. The square is home to numerous... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
One of the iconic food destinations is Plaza Mayor, a bustling town square where you can savor traditional Spanish dishes. The square is home to numerous... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Souvenirs Shopping Tour
Shopping for souvenirs in Madrid is an exciting and delightful experience for anyone visiting the vibrant Spanish capital. Indeed, it would be a pity to leave Madrid without having explored its specialty shops and bringing home something truly original. With this in mind, we've compiled a list of must-visit locations where you can find souvenirs, which are unique to Madrid and make for... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Miguel de Cervantes' Madrid Walking Tour
The name of the iconic Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes is closely associated with Madrid. The author is known for a number of works, but his 1605 novel Don Quixote de la Mancha is often held as the first modern novel.
Despite being regarded as one of the fathers of modern literature, very little is known about Cervantes' early life. Born in 1547, he had spent some of his young years in... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Despite being regarded as one of the fathers of modern literature, very little is known about Cervantes' early life. Born in 1547, he had spent some of his young years in... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Madrid Introduction Walking Tour
A city of elegant boulevards, beautiful squares, and manicured parks, the Spanish capital is renowned for its rich repositories of European art, portico-lined Plaza Mayor, baroque style Royal Palace and many other cultural and historical monuments.
Although the site of modern-day Madrid has been occupied since prehistoric times, the first historical document about an established settlement here... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Although the site of modern-day Madrid has been occupied since prehistoric times, the first historical document about an established settlement here... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Golden Mile Walking Tour
Similarly to 5th Avenue in New York City, Champs Elysee in Paris, or Bond Street in London, the Golden Mile is one of the wealthiest and most expensive neighborhoods of the Spanish capital. Forming part of Madrid's Salamanca district, this posh area is known for its upscale shopping, cultural attractions, and gastronomic delights.
One of the prominent local landmarks is Columbus Square... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
One of the prominent local landmarks is Columbus Square... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
10 Uniquely Madrid Foods to Try in Spanish Capital
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A Self-Guided Food Walk in Madrid
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