Into The Mountains: Manzanares

Maggie and i took advantage of a nice day and decided to go hiking in Manzanares. The hike was great with plenty of rocks and streams. One minus though...thorn bushes everywhere. When I got home my legs looked like a used pin cushion.

Palacio Real and the Catedral de la Almudena

On the west side of Madrid lies the Palacio Real and Catedral de la Almudena.  The Palacio is no longer the residence of the King, however, it is still used for official state functions. Originally this was the site of a Muslim Fortress constructed in the 9th century by Mohammed I, Emir of Córdoba.  It continued to stay under Muslim control until  Alfonso VI of Castile took control of Madrid in 1085.  After the Castillians took control the fortress was rarely used until 1561 when Philip II moved the royal court to Madrid. The present day palace was finished in 1755 and was designed by Filippo Juvarra and Giovanni Battista Tiepolo in cooperation with Ventura Rodríguez, Francesco Sabatini, and Martín Sarmiento. Today, as well as being used for official state unctions the palace also houses a large museum with artifacts from throughout Madrids history.
When the crown was moved to Madrid plans had been made to build a cathedral.  These plans didn't come to fruition until 1879 in the form of the Catedral de la Almudena.  It was originally concieved as a gothic style cathedral but construction was ceased due to the Spanish Civil War. When construction began again in 1950 it was decided to change the design to a more baroque style to match the nearby Palacio Real.

Related articles

• Royal Palace of Madrid - Palacio Real (spaintravelguide.com)

Castle De Manzanares Real

Castle De Manzanares was built in the late 1400's by one of the most influential families in Spain, the Mendozas.  It was the second castle built in the town of Manazanares Real, the first being the Mendozas first home, that became too small for thier needs. Originally the New Castle was just a fortress but later was adapted into a palace.  Many parts of the castle are missing such as the throne room, library, and chapel. However, and ambitious renovation program continues to restore the castle to its original beauty. The interior of the castle holds a museum with various rooms and items dedicated the history of the castle and surrounding areas. 

Jardin de Sabatini

This garden is next to Palacio Real. Built in the thirties by the new Republic on what was the grounds of the royal stables designed by Sabatini

 

Toledo

A few Hours south of Madrid is the famous city of Toledo. We traveled by bus and as we entered the gates to the old city it immediately felt as though we were entering into the middle ages. The old city is still mostly surrounded by a wall that dates back to the times of Muslim control. Toledo has existed since the bronze age first as a Roman trading hub, then as a capital of Visigoth Spain, then capital of the Caliphate of Cordoba.  After the Chrisitan-Muslim struggles for Spain it fell to the Castillians in 1085 opening a new period of Christian rule. Interestinglly the Castillians didn't sack and destroy the muslim libraries, but instead set up a mass translation projest that provided access to a large amount of knowledge that was previously lost in northern Europe. After 1085 Toledo became the capital for the King until it was moved to Valladolid and then Madrid.

Given its long and eclectic past the city retains a very multicultural feel both in the architecture and people. Some of the most notable sights included the:

Puente Trajan at Alcantara built in between 104 and 106 CE by Roman Emporer Trajan


Alcazar de Toledo ancient fortress and military school


<p><center> Puente de Alacantara

Cathedral de Toledo

Monasterio de San Jaun

Overall the city is amazing with a patchwork of Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Roman Influences. Well worth the trip.  Here are the rest of the photos.

El Real Monasterio de El Escorial

El Escorial is not technically in Madrid but it is pretty close (45 mins by train) and was well worth the trip.  The train trip itselff was great as it traveled through the Spanish countryside providing vistas of mountains, streams, and sleep Spanish towns.  El Escorial itsef is tucked between mountains overlooking a valley.  Just a few minutes in the town and you could understand why the kings of the past chose this area for a place of respite.  

El Escorial was finished in 1587 after 21 years of work. It was concieved by Phillip II of Spain in part to celebrate victory at the battle of St. Quentin in Picardy, France, and to establish Spain as the center of the Catholic world during the reformation.  Historically, El Escorial has played dual roles as both a monastary and royal palace. It has also has been the final resting place of all of Spains kings since it was built.  The complex is comprised of the Basilica, Royal Palace, Friars Gardens, and Library.  Each is incorporated into a total structure that is surrounded with outer walls and towers at each corner.  

The Main architect was the famous Juan Bautista de Toledo, however he did not live to see its completion and his duties were taken up by his apprentice  Juan de Herrera.  Dozens of other architects were also used as collaborators  for the many areas of the complex.  Presently, El Escorial is no longer the palace of the King but is still a monastery and final resting place for Spain's royal families.  

 

Happy New Year!!!!!!!!

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Here's to another year passed and another year to come!