Hidden Gems and Underground Wonders

A short walk today - a mere 36 minutes Google wise. 

We are passing the Alonso Martinez metro station. It gets 4.2 stars, which is fairly good. The most recent worded review is three days old.  Manuel said 'I got there by chance. We were just driving around and decided to hop off the car and have a coffee. We ended up spending quite a nice afternoon. I might be wrong, but this neighborhood seems to be one of the posh parts of Madrid. Either way, it's a beautiful place to spend some time waking around'


The idea of the Metro came about in 1916. A Royal Decree decreed a four line plan. The plan was estimated at costing four million pesetas. 2.5 million was raised from various donors. Alfonso XIII stepped in and gave the other 1.45 million required. The first section was opened on 19th October 1919. Following Line 1, Line 2 opened in 1924, R in 1925, 4 in 1932 and 3 in 1936 - on the 9th August. Further lines were added, two in 1961 and so on into the 2000s.


We are passing the Mueso Arte Publico. The most recommended reviewer said 'Under the bridge, near the calle castellano, you can see some of those installmenents. When I was in a bus, it was a eyecatching. It would be better when it provide commentary of thesse sculptures via QR code to get the information or more understanding.'

Let us into Vrro Serrano and check out the top review terms.


Spanish Omelette [560] Raiane 'The food was very good—not the best tortilla I’ve tried, but still a very good one. The tortillas are good and the trufada was cold but tasty. The croquetas are very tasty. I loved the cheesecake, it’s not so sweet.


Croquettes [282] Violeta 'TThe croquettes were very good, the patatas brava’s were good and the Russian salad was okay. It could have been better. I think overhyped.'


Russian Salad [136] Julie 'Had a great evening sitting at the bar in Varro. Love observing the chefs work while dining.The tortilla de patatas was really creamy and tasty. I later tried the one with truffles, but I definitely prefer the one with onions. The tuna tartar was an add-on to the Russian salad and lifted the flavours. I didn't know what to expect from the shrimp toast with shredded butter and it really surprised. The butter was light and melted in your mouth. Great tapas experience! Need to go back to try the other items on the menu.'


Over the road is the Museo Lazaro Galdiano. Another art museum. This one opened in 1951 in a 1903 palatial residence. The owner, Lazaro Galdiano bequeathed his 12000 artistic items to the Spanish State in 1947 and the rest is art history. http://www.museolazarogaldiano.es/


The place has some rather splendid pieces. Here is one. Goya's 'Lo que puede un Sastre! Los Caprichos'  OferKantor wrote 'A truly fascinating museum in Madrid and a wonderful surprise. Museo Lázaro Galdiano offers an extraordinary collection of paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, armor, jewelry, and beautifully preserved historic interiors. Every room feels like a treasure waiting to be discovered, with stunning ceilings and remarkable artistic details everywhere.


The museum is elegant, intimate, and far less crowded than some of Madrid’s larger museums, which makes the visit even more enjoyable. We spent a wonderful time here and genuinely loved every moment. Highly recommended for art lovers and for anyone looking to discover one of Madrid’s hidden gems.'


So we come to the end of out penultimate day.









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