Madrid

Madrid is the capital of Spain. It is also the largest city in the nation and in the province. Although many stories exist about the origin of the name of the city, people believe that Ocno Bianor, the son of King Tirenio of Tuscany and Mantua created the city and named it "Metragirta" or "Mantua Carpetana". Madrid was one of the most affected cities during the Spanish Civil War and from July 1936, it became the stronghold of the Republicans.

It was the first city to be bombed by airplanes during the course of the war. The south of Madrid was industrialized during the dictatorship of Francisco Franco and this led to a massive migration from rural environments into the city. After it attained democracy in 1975 it was integrated to the European Union. This enhanced European finances, making it an important European metropolis and the second most important industrial center in the country.

Tourist Attractions: Madrid is well known for its attractions and monuments related to culture. As it is the capital city, its museums preserve the historical remnants of the war.

Transportation: In addition to motorways, the city has a series of orbital roads that has a circumference around the city. Barajas International Airport serves the city. Spain's railway system links the city with other regions. Madrid Metro, one of the most extensive and fastest growing metro networks in the world is the latest commutation method executed in Madrid. It is the second largest metro system in Western Europe.

Hotels: The hotels in Madrid welcome its guests especially tourists with much honor. It offers tailormade reception to its customers. They make sure that their customers leave the place with cent percent satisfaction. Vincci Soho, High Tech Cliper Gran Via Hotel Petit Palace Londres, High Tech Avenida Callao Hotel, Hotel Senator Gran Via and Petit Palace Embassy Serrano provide all facilities to the tourists. Besides these hotels the city also offers discotheques where the youth dance and enjoy themselves the whole night.

Places of Attraction: Museums that displays the historical artifacts are the main attractions of Madrid. Tourists reach Madrid not only for mere enjoyment, but also for learning some significant facts and ideas about the history of the city. Golden Triangle of Art-composed by three museums is considered as one of the top European destinations concerning art museums. The three museums include Museo del Prado, a famous museum and art gallery that features one of the world's finest collections of European art, Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza -an art gallery that includes the Prado and the Reina Sofia galleries and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia which exhibits excellent collections of the two greatest 20th century artists, Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali. The other museums that grab the attention of the visitors are Museo del Prado, National Archaeological Museum of Spain, Naval Museum and Casa-Museo Jose Padilla. Plaza Mayor, Gran Via, Cason del Buen Retiro, Palacio Real, Templo de Debod, El Rastro, Puerta del Sol, Parque del Buen Retiro, Torre Espana, Faro de Moncloa, Puerta de Europa and Puerta de Alcala include the other points of interest in the city.

COUNTRY	Spain
LOCATION	Located on the river Manzanares in the center of the country.
GEOGRAPHIC COORDINATES	Latitude 40º24 N, Longitude 3º41 W
AREA	607 sq. km
POPULATION	3,228,359 (2005)