Fun facts about Madrid

"This Madrid monument has its roots in the Middle Ages and is related to the regional struggle between the Church and the nobility over control of the forests and fertile land, full of strawberry trees and bears. Some legends have it that it may also have been king Alfonso XI, when he was very proud of having shot a large brown bear in the forests of Madrid and wanted to make the bear an official symbol of the city. What we do know for sure is that the symbol of the bear was already seen during the battle of Las Navas de Tolosa in 1212, where flags and shields sported a "bear with seven stars on its back".

Among the curiosities about Madrid, we find that its citizens are known as "gatos". The name dates back to the 11th century, during the reconquest of the city. A soldier is said to have climbed the wall of Madrid using his hands and feet, similar to a cat, which earns him the sobriquet. The soldier's deed was so celebrated that his descendants adopted the name "cats" with pride. Over the centuries, the name was extended to all the descendants of Madrid who had been born in Madrid for several generations (today it would be even your grandparents).

The Temple of Debod is definitely one of the most impressive attractions in Madrid. This Egyptian temple dates back to the 2nd century BC and was a gift from Egypt to Spain in 1968 in gratitude for the Spanish help in preserving the temples in Nubia. Moved and reconstructed in the Parque del Oeste in Madrid, the Temple of Debod is a reflection of the ancient Egyptian civilization and the stones of this ancient temple have been witness to rituals and the cult of divinities such as Amun and Isis. The Temple of Debod is now a place full of peace and one of the most beautiful sunsets in the city.

The Retiro Park is home to the statue of the Fallen Angel, considered by many to be the only statue of satan in the world. Created by the sculptor Ricardo Bellver in 1877, it represents the fall of the rebellious angel described in the song "Paradise Lost" by John Milton. Despite the controversy its installation caused, the statue has become a major cultural and tourist attraction surrounded by urban myths and legends. The height of the statue's location at 666 meters above sea level has led to numerous stories and theories about the number of the animal.

Madrid also has its own ghost station, Chamberí Station. Opened in 1919 and closed in 1966, this station was part of the city's first metro line and is now known as "Andén 0". Maintaining the essence of the era, the station is home to a museum where visitors can explore the history of the Madrid metro. Lovers of the paranormal and urban legends are often attracted to the atmosphere that surrounds this station, the scene of numerous stories and which is said to have been inhabited by the spirit of time standing still.

The Reina Sofía Museum is not only one of the most important contemporary art museums in Spain. From the transformation of the San Carlos Hospital into an art venue to the controversy over Picasso's Guernica when it was transferred to the permanent collection. The museum is a space where art meets history, offering visitors a multidimensional experience through its exhibitions and the iconic architecture of the building. The Reina Sofía was also the source of artistic encounters, ideological debates and cultural events that have had a major impact on the cultural life of Madrid and Spain.

Founded in 1725, Casa Botín is not only the oldest restaurant in Madrid, it has also been recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest restaurant in the world that is still in operation. This historic venue has been a witness to the evolution of Madrid cuisine and has seen the likes of Goya or Hemingway visit its tables. Its famous roast suckling pig and period atmosphere attract numerous visitors every day who want to savor the cuisine.

The Calle Alcalá is one of the longest and oldest streets in Madrid, and is also a street full of hidden legends and iconic buildings, including everything from spirits in the Linares Palace to conspiracies in government buildings. A walk down Calle Alcalá is an architectural journey from Puerta del Sol to the Fuente de Cibeles, but also a chance to discover the secrets and anecdotes that have influenced the identity of this great city.

The San Miguel market near the Plaza Mayor is one of the most important iron markets in Madrid and has been a meeting point for food lovers ever since it was opened in 1916. After its renovation in the 21st century, it has become one of the best gourmet markets in Madrid. With stalls offering both traditional and innovative tapas, the San Miguel Market is a place where history, flavor and Madrid social life all come together.