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With its deep-rooted history and colorful culture, Spain is a rich travel destination in terms of places to visit. In addition to Roman ruins from the Moorish period, Islamic architecture and medieval castles, Castile is home to palaces and mansions from the Hapsburg period. Many of these structures have elegant architectural decorations. Spain also stands out with its delicious food, art, music, dance and friendly people.
MADRID
The Prado Museum is a museum and art gallery located in Madrid, the capital of Spain. It was established as a painting and sculpture museum and also contains more than 5,000 drawings, 2,000 prints, 1,000 coins, medals and approximately 2,000 ornaments and works of art. It is one of the most visited places in Madrid. One of my favorite works is Diego Velazquez’s Las Meninas painting in the Prado Museum. The painting known as “The Maids of Honor” in Turkish is the most famous of Diego Velazquez’s works. I also recommend that you do not miss Goya’s “Saturn Devouring His Son” in the Prado Museum. This work by Goya is essentially based on Greek Mythology. According to mythology, Saturn killed his sons by eating them right after they were born because he was afraid that they would replace him. Also worth seeing are Albrecht Dürer’s “Self-Portrait” and “Adam and Eve” portrait. Dürer, a German painter and mathematician, is one of the artists who must be seen with his surreal works.
The Reina Sofía Museum is a famous art museum located in Madrid, the capital of Spain, and focuses especially on 20th-century contemporary art. Opened to the public in 1992, the museum showcases the richness and diversity of Spanish art and brings together important works of modern and contemporary art with art lovers.
The museum has a rich collection of works by artists such as Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró and Juan Gris, including Pablo Picasso’s world-famous “Guernica.” It also features works by international artists, offering a wide range of art. One of my favorite paintings is Woman at the Window by Salvador Dali.
The Church of Saint Jerome the Royal in Madrid is a Roman Catholic church dating from the early 16th century. The church, which has undergone numerous renovations and restorations over the centuries, was once located next to the Buen Retiro royal palace, part of which now houses the Prado museum.
The Retiro Park, an important part of Madrid, is home to the Crystal Palace, one of the striking and impressive structures. The Crystal Palace was built in the 19th century. The palace was designed by the French ceramic artist Ricardo Velázquez Bosco. The palace takes its name from the large glass panels and iron frame that give the structure its characteristic appearance. One of the most impressive points is that the elegant palace allows light to enter, creating a beautiful atmosphere. Today, it occasionally hosts the Reina Sofia Museum's modern art exhibitions.
One of the most famous and lively squares in Madrid, Puerto del Sol Square is located in the heart of the city and is an important meeting point for locals and visitors. This magnificent structure, rich in history, culture and tourism, was shaped by Gaudi’s vision when he took over the project in 1883. Gaudi created a design full of organic forms and details inspired by nature. The complex facades, magnificent interiors and high towers of the structure are considered to be a marvel of both engineering and art.
The place known as Casa Patas or Tablao, where flamenco lovers meet, is a very nice place to watch flamenco. I was truly fascinated while watching it.
BARCELONA
One of the important places in Barcelona, Park Güell is a very famous city park designed by Antoni Gaudí, inspired by nature. The huge park, built between 1900-1914, was initially planned as a residential project. Park Güell reveals the famous architect Gaudí’s admiration for nature and how he integrated organic forms into architecture. The park, famous for its benches decorated with mosaics, wavy lines and fantastic sculptures, creates a fairytale atmosphere for visitors. The snake-shaped bench on the large terrace in the center of the park is worth seeing as one of the best examples of this technique. In addition, the two fantastic houses at the entrance of the park reflect Gaudí’s unique designs that look like they came out of fairy tales.
One of the symbols of Barcelona and also on the UNESCO List, the Sagrada Familia Basilica is considered the greatest work of the famous architect Antoni Gaudi, who contributed to the popularity of the city. In fact, the San Jose Religious Union first agreed with Francisco de Paula de Villary Lozano for the construction of the basilica. However, when differences of opinion arose between the two parties, the project was transferred to Gaudi in 1883. Gaudi devoted his life, so to speak, to the structure until 1926, when he lost his life in an accident.
Casa Mila, a residence that you can reach on foot from Catalonia Square, is considered by many to be Gaudi’s second most valuable work after the Sagrada Familia. The residence, which was built between 1906 and 1912, was designed by the famous architect for Pere Mila, one of the important businessmen of the period. After its completion, the building was heavily criticized and was known to the locals as La Pedrera, meaning quarry in our language. Gaudi wanted to reflect the image of a wavy sea and the seaweed swaying in it on its front facade.
Barcelona is also very famous for its nightlife. It is possible to have a pleasant time in cafes and bars with many different themes.
Accommodation recommendation: Madrid
Oriente Palace Apartments
Calle de Lepanto 6, Madrid City Centre, 28013 Madrid, Spain • 200 metres from Metro station (Ópera) • In the city centre
Accommodation suggestion: Barcelona
Ella Guest House Barcelona
Girona, 39, Eixample, 08010 Barcelona, Spain • 300 meters from metro station (Tetuan) • Distance to center 0.7 km
