The walk starts at
[1] Sevilla metro. Head East up Calle de Alcala noting
[2] Edificio Metropolis [Calle de Alcala 39]. This finely proportioned building with an impressive dome was opened in 1911.
Continue to
Plaza de Cibeles, one of the most beautiful plazas in Madrid. The fountain depicts Cibeles, goddess of fertility, sitting on a chariot and being pulled by two lions.
On the corner facing the fountain is the
[3] Banco de Espana building. This houses a valuable art collection as well as luxurious wall-hangings and antique furniture. The interior patio is used as a library and the beautiful staircase is made of Carrera marble.
Cross Alcala and Paseo del Prado to
[4] Palacio de Linares, one of the finest examples of neo-baroque design in Spain, built at the end of the 19th century for the Marquis of Linares. It now houses the Casa de America, an organisation promoting Latin American culture. Cross Alcala again to the
[5] Palacio de Comunicaciones This cathedral-like landmark was opened in 1917 as the headquarters of the post office.
Continue down Paseo del Prado to
[6] Museo Naval [Paseo del Prado 5] where the exhibits illustrate the maritime history of Spain, behind
[7] Bolsa de Comercio, the Madrid stock exchange, to
[8] Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas [Calle de Montalban 12] one of the first museums in Europe.
Now retrace your steps and continue to
[9] Buen Retiro Palace where you will find the
Museo del Erjecito or Army Museum. This houses outstanding exhibits from military history.
Continue down to Calle de Academia to
[10] Iglesia de San Jeronimo el Real a favorite church for society weddings, and home to many royal weddings. Back now to Calle de Filipe IV with the
[11] Hotel Ritz on your right and on your left, the
[12]
Museo del Prado. This famous museum and art gallery features one of the world's finest collections of European art.
Now cross the
[13] Plaza Canovas de Castillo, dominated by the Fountain of Neptune designed by Ventura Rodriguez, to
[14] Westin Palace, built in 1912 for Alfonso XIII, and now restored as a luxury hotel. Opposite is
[15]
Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza which contains close to 1000 paintings, from the thirteenth century right up to the late twentieth century. The museum also has fabulous temporary exhibitions.
Continue up Plaza de las Cortes for 100 metres or so and then left into Calle del Prado. Follow this through to
[16] Plaza de Santa Ana. There are many tabernas facing this plaza and more in the next couple of streets. Go North up Calle de Principe, first right then second left into Calle de Ventura Vega. If you have not found a place to eat that suits you by this time, you must be very hard to please.
Cross Carrera de San Jeronimo and continue up Calle de Cedaceros, passing
the
[17]
Congreso de los Diputados, the principal seat of government in Spain.
The walk finishes back at
[1] Sevilla metro.