Hey GoCar Readers, this is a guest post from our friends over at Trip101. We hope you enjoy their overview of Madrid points of interest! As the capital city of Spain, Madrid has a lot of hype to live up to when it comes to tourism. But while it has modernized in the past decades, this well-preserved city still retains its old-world charms. It has an abundance of historic sites that will surely keep travelers on their toes. The blend of culture and modernism has brought Madrid to new heights and any history buff who visits will be on an adventure that is unlike any other. With Renaissance architecture, majestic churches, grand city centers, the capital of Spain has a lot to offer than most. Let’s get to know some notable sites that should be included in everyone’s itinerary every time they come for a visit. The Royal Palace https://pixabay.com/photos/royal-palace-spain-madrid-3462249/ One would say that this is the most majestic place in Spain. The white Baroque-style exterior, extravagant interiors, and just an overall grand vibe, this is one of those sites that you should not miss during your visit to Madrid. This was the official residence of Spain’s royal family dating back to the 18th century. Although now, some of the rooms are mostly used for state dinners and official visits since the royal family has opted to stay in the much humbler Zarzuela Palace. Join a tour in this palace and you will get to see the famous Throne Room. It’s one of those experiences that will make you wonder how opulent monarch’s lifestyles were back in the day. Museo Nacional del Prado https://pixabay.com/photos/madrid-prado-museum-architecture-1758045/ This is the biggest national art museum in Spain and it features one of the best collections. Some artifacts can be dated back to the 12th…

Madrid is one of Europe’s most historically rich cities. Its documented history traces back to the ninth century, but the area in fact has been inhabited by humans since prehistoric times. Here are some selected highlights from the history of Madrid, Spain’s capital city: -The area now known as Madrid was inhabited by prehistoric humans. Numerous ancient objects have been uncovered in excavations along the banks of the River Manzanares, such as axes and large mammal remains, as evidence. -Originally named Mayrit, the city of Madrid was founded by the emir Muhammad at the close of the ninth century A.D. The city came to prominence during the Arab occupation of the Iberian peninsula, but passed into Christian hands during the Reconquest of Spain by the Christians. -The present location of Madrid—in Spain’s center—was established in 1083 by King Alfonso I. All prevalent symbols of Muslim influence and rule were removed during this period. -In 1329, King Fernando V assembled the famed Court of Madrid for the first time ever. This preceded one of the darker periods in Spanish history, the Spanish Inquisition. -In the 14th and 15th centuries, in the wake of the Reconquista, Moors and Jews banded together and formed a concentrated population in Madrid—named Moreria to this day. In 1494 they were all denounced as “unbelievers” and expelled from Spain. Mosques and other Muslim imagery once again disappeared from the area. -On May 2nd, 1808, a revolt began in the Puerta de Sol—thus beginning the War of Independence. The large-scale war, in which the Spanish fought against Napoleon and their former allies in France, has given rise to a number of patriotic memorials in the city of Madrid. The Plaza Dos de Mayo is the most famous of these. -In 1835, the world-famous University of Alcala de Henares…