The acts and monuments of Miss Spain
On the Facebook site people are voting on where to go next. They have a week. Meanwhile we are going for a wander round Madrid.
We will start by heading north and looking out over the lake. Mark wrote a lot, so here he goes....
The Great Pond of El Retiro (Estanque Grande del Retiro) is the undeniable soul of Madrid, offering a serene escape that feels both grand and intimately welcoming. Visiting this iconic landmark is a highlight of any trip to Spain’s capital, perfectly capturing the city’s ability to blend historic elegance with a vibrant, modern lifestyle.
The atmosphere here is pure magic. Watching the sunlight dance across the water while the majestic Monument to Alfonso XII towers in the background is a sight that never grows old. For the full experience, renting one of the iconic blue rowboats is a must. It’s a peaceful, timeless activity that allows you to appreciate the park’s scale from a unique perspective, providing a rare moment of tranquility in the heart of a bustling metropolis.
Beyond the water, the surrounding promenades are alive with talented street performers, local families, and a joyful energy that is truly infectious. Whether you are seeking a romantic sunset spot, a place for a morning stroll, or a beautiful backdrop for photography, the Great Pond delivers in every way. It is more than just a body of water; it is a beautiful, living postcard that remains a must-see destination for every traveler.
We are steering round to the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. Baron Heinrich is the founder of this feast Born in 1875, 2nd son of the Industrialist, August Thyssen, he married Gabor, Baroness Bornemisza. He collected art. A lot of art. His son, Hans Heinrich bought more art. He also collected wives - five to be exact. Wife Five, Miss Spain 1961 Carmen Cervera. She persuaded Hans Heinrich to move his collection. In 1992 the art went public and so we will go and have a look.
The place is open from 10am to 9pm Tuesday - Friday, 10am to 11pm on Saturday, 10am to 7pm Sunday and, shockingly, Midday till 4pm on Mondays, A month ago Marie said 'Spent a about 2 hours at the Thyssen Museum and honestly loved it. The collection is incredibly diverse — from classic masterpieces to modern art — and every room feels different from the last. It’s one of those museums where you can easily lose track of time just wandering around and discovering new favorite paintings.
Definitely one of the best cultural experiences in Madrid and well worth visiting, even if you’re not usually a big museum person. Beautiful atmosphere, amazing art, and a perfect way to slow down and enjoy the city for a while.
Across the road is El Prado. Today's Museo Nacional was built in 1785 to house Charles III's nature collection. Ferdinand VII opted for paintings and statues instead. When Izzy-2 was forced to abdicate in 1868 the collection was taken by the nation and people were allowed to gaze at it.
The place opens from 10am to 8pm every day except Sunday - when it closes at 7. Mike gives details 'Fairly large, one can spend hours. Good descriptions and contexts written to better appreciate pieces. Last 2 hours are free while tickets last; it can get crowded, but it's great that they don't allow price to be a barrier for those who cannot afford it. Nice respite from the heat. Photos not allowed (please respect this, don't be THAT tourist). Wide range of paintings and sculptures covering centuries and not just Spanish masters. Good, central location, within walking distance for us. Recommended if you're in Madrid and enjoy classic art.'
Jenny is world weary. 'Artworks should be viewed with the eyes and heart, not through a phone camera. There are people who secretly take photos here and there, but you must not do that. I recommend the Art Pass, which bundles three museums.'
We will end with another art work. It's Goya. Goya, always Goya. 'The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters' is an emblem for our ties.
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