Madrid is one of those cities where I wish I had weeks to spend, instead of just days. It was my first time in Spain and I wasn’t sure what to expect. What I experienced was simply amazing, and I can’t wait to see more of Spain and all it has to offer.
On our first day, we decided to take a walk from our well situated hotel and somehow found ourselves in front of the Palacio Real de Madrid, or the Royal Palace. While the massive building is only used for ceremonial occasions, it is a stunning building that is gracefully designed, but with a definite air of authority.
Immediately across from the Palace is the gorgeous Almudena Cathedral. I was shocked to learn that a Catholic country such as Spain didn’t have a cathedral in its capital until 1993. Despite the quirk of historical fate that prevented its construction, the modern cathedral was well worth the wait. Although I had to pay to climb to the top, something I don’t like to do, the view of the Palace and the city was well worth the minor fee.
A visit to both the Palace and the Cathedral is a must for any first-time visitor to Madrid.
