Palacio Real de Madrid – The first picture is of the Royal Palace as we passed it on our way to the temple. The original building was built in the 9th century and was eventually used as a fortress to protect Toledo. Later a castle was built at the location and it became the residence for the Spanish royal families until it burned to the ground in the 17th century. The structure that exists today was ordered by Phillip V, but its first inhabitant was Charles III in 1764. Spain’s kings continued to live in the palace until the Alfonso XIII fled the country in 1931. It is the largest palace in Europe in terms of floor area and is open to the public. We will have to make sure to visit!
Templo de Debod – This temple is the only one of a few Egyptian structures to stand outside of Egypt. It is over 2,200 years old and was given to Spain as a gift for their help in saving the temples of Abu Simbel. It was rebuilt in a park in Madrid in the late 1960s and is located in an area with great views overlooking the city. It closes at 8:00 pm, so we didn’t get a chance to visit the interior today. We will return so that we can get the full experience!
Cervantes monument – The last picture is a different view of the Cervantes monument in Plaza de Espana. This side has a fountain and was very pretty to behold in the moonlight.
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