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Paseo del Prado

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LenR
LenR
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Paseo del Prado

  • February 8, 2008
  • Rated 4 of 5 by LenR from Townsville, Australia
Paseo del Prado

The wonderfull tree-lined Paseo del Prado runs from the Plaza de la Cibeles through the Plaza Canovas del Castillo to Atocha railway station. It is a marvelous boulevard to walk anytime day or night. There are spectacular fountains, lovely flowerbeds and classical buildings to admire.

The Paseo del Prado was designed by King Carlos 111 as a leafy nature walk with glorious fountains and a botanic garden for respite from the heat in the Madrid summer.

The Paseo Del Prado is a must for art lovers visiting Madrid. This street houses three of the biggest and best art museums in Madrid, all within walking distance of each other. These museums are a treasure trove of paintings stretching back from the medieval period to contemporary Spanish art. Also along here are Madrid's grand 19th century Neo Classical buildings: banks, the Communications Building and the Ritz and Westin Palace hotels.

The Plaza de la Cibeles is at the north end of the street. This is dominated by the Fountain of Cibeles which depicts the nature goddess driving a chariot drawn by lions. This is particular spectacular at night. There are two grand buildings here worth noting. The first is the massive Bank of Spain building from 1884 which takes up an entire block. Opposite this is the very ornate Palacio de Comunicacions building which houses the main post office.

As you walk south, you come to the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, the newest of Madrid’s three major art centers. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it inside here but the 18th century Villahermosa Palace which houses the collection is attractive in itself.

At the next plaza there are several highlights. First is Neptune’s Fountain which dominates the traffic roundabout. Then there are the Ritz and Westin Palace hotels, two of the city’s finest. Then of course there is the Prado Museum.

Further south again is the Botanic Garden which holds many plants from around the world. Surprisingly you need to pay to enter. Then there is the daily book market and finally Atocha Station which is like a giant hanger built in the late 19th century. It’s worth going inside to see the tropical rainforest that has been established here.

From journal Madrid's Art Precinct

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