The nerve centre and capital of Spain, Madrid is nothing short of magnificence, a vibrant and creative metropolis with plenty to see and experience.

The prominence of Madrid started late, only when Philip II decided in 1561 to move his imperial court from Toledo to the modest castle and city on the banks of the Manzanares river. Since then, Madrid has enjoyed, in an almost uninterrupted manner, the status of Capital.

The culture of Madrid was dominated by the monarchical history, the centre of the Spanish Empire, the Royal Palace, large estates and buildings, used by the Spanish monarchy.

Today Madrid is a Cosmopolitan city, full of modern architecture, lifestyle and culture, with roughly 3,3 million inhabitants (6,5 million including the whole metropolitan area)

If you are an art lover, Madrid offers you the “Museum Triangle” where you can discover three major art museums clustered along “Paseo del Prado” just east of the old city. The Prado Museum is one of the finest art museums in the world, the Thyssen-Bornemisza is a baron`s private collection of classical art, and the Reina Sofía is Madrid`s modern art museum.

Elegant and varied shopping can be done in Madrid. The Salamanca neighbourhood is where you can find the national and international shops.

Arts, shops, impressive squares and imperial monuments await you in the capital of Spain.