This month we are enjoying city life in monumental Madrid. Resting peacefully amid the hubbub of the city stand impressive statues, fountains, and memorials that beautifully exhibit Madrid’s history and position in the world.
Madrid’s Metropolis Building
With an official population of over three million, the sprawling metropolis of Madrid is the third largest city in the European Union. Located in the geographic center of the Iberian Peninsula, Madrid is also the center of Spain’s government and monarchy.
Monument to Christopher Columbus
Because of its central location, King Felipe II made Madrid the capital of the Spanish Empire in 1561. He also established Madrid as the seat of the Spanish monarchy to administer the wealth coming in from its overseas colonies.
Equestrian statue of Habsburg King Felipe III in the Plaza Mayor
Felipe II and his royal Habsburg descendants built lavish palaces, and constructed many of the buildings and plazas of Madrid’s central district. Invariably, statues befitting of their bloodline were installed in the most conspicuous locations around the city.
Monument of Bourbon King Alfonso XII in Retiro Park
When the Bourbon royal family displaced the Habsburgs in the beginning of the 18th century, they raised their own self-serving statues and monuments. Today, the Bourbons remain Spain’s ruling family despite losing Spain’s oversees empire and being forced into exile during the 20th century dictatorship of General Francisco Franco.
Franco’s Victory Arch commemorating his triumph in the Spanish Civil War
Naturally, Franco built his own memorials to himself, and his triumph in the Spanish Civil War. Owing to Franco’s atrocious human rights record; however, the country has removed most of the statues and monuments honoring him and his fascist government.
Monument to Miguel de Cervantes
Instead, Madrid prefers to memorialize its sense of beauty and admiration of literature and fine art. In addition to its world-famous art museums, Madrid is also a veritable museum of urban sculpture.
Fountain of the Birth of Water in Plaza de España
Artistic statue fountains fill Madrid’s open-air plazas and line its stately tree-lined boulevards. Besides forming well-known city landmarks, these public works of art provide relaxing places to sit and take a break.
Statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree in Plaza del Sol
Here in the center of Spain, we are enjoying the commotion and activity of city life. As we explore the history, arts, and culture of the capital, we appreciate these peaceful and pensive places, and the statues, fountains, and memorials of monumental Madrid.
Fountain of Neptune
Feature Image: Madrid’s iconic Fountain of Cibeles and Palace of Cybele
Month at a Time Travel 
It always amazes me how people build such monuments to themselves, although they do provide a fascinating insight into a place’s history. And I love how there are so many sculptures, fountains and public places dedicated to art as well. Thanks for sharing the photos…Madrid is gorgeous!
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You are so right, Ann. People have been building monuments to themselves for a long time. The Pharaoh’s pyramids in Egypt may be some of the oldest. Maybe many of these self-serving monuments are built by insecure leaders who want to scare enemies with the monument’s powerful physical presence? History is also full of narcissistic leaders who are so self-obsessed that they build monuments to make themselves look superior.
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I have visited Madrid about 30 years ago, I think is time to visit again. It is a beautiful capital with so much history, culture, architecture. For some reason what I remember the most are all the beautiful fountains. Is staying in the capital of Spain a lot more expensive than it was in the countryside? Was it easy to find good accomodation? Sounds like you are having a great time😄
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I think I will remember the fountains the most too, Gilda. Our month in Madrid has been fun and interesting. We felt that we wanted to spend time in the capital city to better understand Spain. There are a lot of rental apartments available here, but those within our budget are smaller and older than the rentals we found in the countryside. The place we rented in Madrid is $1,500 for the month through AirBnb. It is about 3 miles north of the city center and a three minute walk to the metro. It is simple but fully equipped and comfortable, and is working out beautifully for us.
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I only had a short visit in Madrid, your Madrid month should be interesting. Know what you mean about those monuments to themselves – what brass! Now pardon me while I go work on my blog… 😉
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Hey Dave, Thanks for taking time out from your blog to let me know your thoughts about monumental Madrid. Today, in Retiro Park, we found one of the world’s only statues of the devil. Talk about brass!
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That first picture is a stunner! (The others aren’t shabby either, I’m just impressed whenever I see a night picture with so much light and clarity.)
Madrid sounds like a gorgeous city.
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You’re right, Christi. The first picture is breathtaking. The fountain of Cibeles is a Madrid landmark and where Real Madrid soccer fans gather to celebrate their victories. The building is the Cybele Palace, but it used to be the main post office. I remember going inside in 1984 to mail post cards.
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I’m travelling to Madrid next week and I cannot wait! Thank you for all the interesting insights – my teacher’s briefly touched on hsitory we will see but nothing this in depth. ¡Gracias!
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You are in for such a treat, Amber. It is so much fun to just walk through Madrid, stopping at all of the fun and interesting sights. I am sure that your teacher is great, but the best way to learn about history is to travel. Enjoy!
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