OTHER PLACES IN MADRID

We encourage our students to explore their environment, especially Madrid since it is so close to Alcalá. In small groups they set out to visit the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofía Museum, the Retiro Park, and other sites. They have attended bullfights and rode bicycles around Madrid's Retiro Park. They are real adventurers. Here are a couple of places that we have recommended, and some have visited.

CRIPTA DE LA ALMUDENA

There is this beautiful little gem located under the Cathedral of the Almudena (in front of the Palacio Real). Built in a neo-gothic style, the crypt is still used. Here are some pictures of the interior:

Walking the streets of Madrid is a wonderful experience. On our way to the Museo del Romanticismo we came across this fruit/vegetable shop. It was obvious that the owner was very proud of her wares and displayed them artistically.

Also along the way we came across this very unusual house (four pictures below). The PALACIO LONGORIA was built for a banker, Javier Gonzalez Longoria, and designed by José Grases Riera. It is built in the Modernist style with elements of Art Deco (1902-1903). You gotta love it!

The MUSEO DEL ROMANTICISMO (photos below) is a converted palace that shows what life for the wealthy might have been like in the 19th century. It holds an amazing collection of paintings and other realia from the Romantic period, including the well-known portrait of Mariano José de Larra as well as portraits of Isabel II. Works also include a number by Valeriano Bécquer, brother of the poet Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer. It is one of the hidden gems of Madrid.

This landing at the top of the main staircase (entry to the home) was where a small quartet or quintet would sit and play music while guests arrived to the parties

(you have heard of a "throne"; well, this is a 19th-century version of a toilet for the very rich)

There are a lot of pianos in this house. The one in the back is a Steinway.

(This chest belonged to Carolina Coronado, a well-known early 19th-century poet)