Madrid - Sol (Central Madrid)
After having spent the morning admiring the Plaza de Cibelis and the surrounding areas, we decided to head for the market areas of Sol. There are a number of different shopping zones within central Madrid, with a very diverse range of shops. Around Calles Preciados, which has been pedestrianised, Puerta del Sol and Montera, there are department stores and shops, including bargain-basements, craft, jewellery, clothes and many tourist outlets. Old craft and curiousity shops can be found along Calles Mayor, Arenal and also Plaza Mayor. Further south is the Mercado de Puerta de Toledo mall, a very chic collection of over 140 shops, also open on Sundays, which has become a popular place to shop. To the east of Puerta del Sol are some interesting art and antique showrooms in Carrera de San Jerónimo and Calle del Prado. Gran Via was once the most fashionable shopping boulevard in the city, and although these days that is no longer true, it still has a good collection of shops. Some of the city's best fashion outlets can be found nearby in Calle de Génova, Calles Almirante, Conde de Xiquena, Argensola and Orellana
One of those intersting building in Central Madrid that has withstood the onslaught of time.
Anita at the pedestraised market in Sol. This area has numerous outlets of fasion items as well as some of the larger hypermarkets like El Corte
The palace is built entirely of stone - granite from the Sierra de Guadarrama and white Colmenar stone. Massive foundation walls support the building on the steep slope down to the Manzanares which is laid out in gardens (the Jardines de Sabatini to the north, the Campo del Moro to the west). The impression of imposing and unapproachable majesty which is conveyed by the palace is reinforced by the massive substructure of finely dressed ashlar with small windows. An intermediate floor, also with small square windows, forms a transition to the main structure. The balconies of the principal apartments are separated by Ionic columns and Doric pilasters. Above the main floor is another intermediate floor without openings, and above this again a final floor with windows. The facade is topped by a balustrade of white stone with statues of Spanish kings
The main front is on the south side, facing the Plaza de la Armeriàa. Like the other fronts, it bears the royal arms
Close View of the Coat of Arms on the Front of the Palace
Statue of the Godess of Cybelles
