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City Guide - Madrid - Further Distractions | ||
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Further Distractions Parque del Buen Retiro (Retiro Park) This lush 142-hectare (350-acre) park in the heart of Madrid was formerly the private garden of Philip IV. Visitors can enjoy a stroll among the trees and rose garden, a boat ride on the lake near the towering 1902 monument to Alfonso XII, tarot readings from hovering fortune tellers or a game of chess. Art buffs may seek out exhibition spaces Palacio de Cristal, Palacio de Velázquez and the Casa de Vacas or the notorious Angel Caído (Fallen Angel) statue on the south avenue of the Palacio de Cristal. Puerta de Alcalá, Plaza de la Independencia Transport: Metro Retiro, Atocha or Ibiza; or any bus route to Retiro. Opening hours: Daily 0630-2230 (May-Sep until 2300). Convento de las Descalzas Reales (Convent of the Royal Barefoot Sisters) Founded in 1564 by Joanna of Austria, the daughter of Charles V, the convent has housed royal and aristocratic nuns over the centuries. Still a functioning convent, it is also a superb example of sixteenth-century Baroque architecture, containing a magpie's hoard of rich tapestries and jewels, Italian and Flemish art and a superb display of Spanish religious artefacts. One tiny painting has been attributed to Goya. The convent can only be visited by guided tour (in Spanish only although questions are taken in English). Plaza de las Descalzas 3 Tel: (91) 542 0059. Transport: Metro Callao or Sol; bus to Puerta del Sol. Opening hours: Tues-Thurs and Sat 1030-1245 and 1600-1745; Fri 1030-1245 and Sun 1100-1345. Admission: Pta700 (concessions available). Museo Tiflológico (Museum for the Blind) This touchy-feely museum allows both sighted and visually impaired visitors to stroke the top of the Eiffel Tower, Parthenon, Statue of Liberty, Taj Mahal or London Bridge. The tiny replicas stand one metre (three feet) high. Other exhibits include sculptures by blind and visually impaired artists. Calle de la Coruña 18 Tel: (91) 589 4200. Fax: (91) 467 3163. Transport: Metro Estrecho; or bus 3, 42, 43, 64, 124, 125 or 127. Opening hours: Tues-Fri 1000-1400 and 1700-2000; Sat 1000-1400. Admission: Free (on presentation of a valid passport). Faro de Moncloa (Light of Moncloa) The Moncloa observation tower in the university district is open to the public, offering visitors panoramic views of Madrid and its environs from the flying-saucer-shaped viewing deck. The tower was designed by architect Salvador Arroyo in 1992 to monitor traffic congestion. Avenida de los Reyes Católicos/Plaza del Arco de la Victoria Tel: (91) 544 8104. Transport: Metro Moncloa; or bus 1, 44 or 46. Opening hours: Tues-Sun 1030-1330 and 1630-1945. Admission: Pta200. |