The best car hire website

Madrid -- Turism

Madrid offers a wide artistic range, influenced by the many styles that have marked the city through the centuries. From the ruins of the ancient Arab wall, to small Gothic-style churches, and early Renaissance constructions, Madrid's development is a showcase for a variety of artistic periods. Madrid owes its name to the Arabic Magerit or 'mother of the waters', which was the name given to the fortress in the bank of the Manzanares River, built by the Omayyad from Cordoba, Muhammad (823-886). Although it grew under Arab rule for two hundred years, little is left of the Arab presence: only some ruins of the wall are preserved, and a tower, which was later turned into a bellower. With the coming of the Austrias in the 16th century and the height of their splendour in the 17th century, the great monuments of Madrid began to emerge in the area that is nowadays referred to as the Madrid de los Austrias, one of the most famous areas of the city where, in addition to the Plaza Mayor, there are many outstanding spots, churches, and convents, full of art and atmosphere. The austere façades of the Baroque style contrast with the lavish interiors of the palaces.

The 18th century left its Neoclassical mark on the splendid Royal Palace complex, the Sabatini Gardens and Campo del Moro, located in the city centre. The church of San Francisco El Grande, the fountains of Paseo del Prado, the Toledo Bridge, the Prado Museum, and Puerta de Alcalá are also good examples of this splendid style.

Madrid also has an assortment of palaces and monuments making up one of the most important heritages in the history of the western world. Patrimonio Nacional (National Heritage) is the institution in charge of safeguarding State property which is at the service and disposal of the King, as well as managing the convents and monasteries founded by monarchs throughout history. With a tremendous wealth of art, the establishment of this collection of buildings has for centuries been the moving force of Spanish culture. The properties, open to the public, include the Madrid Royal Palace, the Pantheon of Important Men, the Monastery of Las Descalzas Reales, the Royal Monastery of La Encarnación, the El Pardo Royal Palace, the Aranjuez Royal Palace, the Royal Monastery of El Escorial, the Prince's Cottage at El Escorial, the Infante's Cottage at El Escorial, and the Benedictine Abbey of Santa Cruz del Valle de los Caídos.

Hotels

Hotel Bel Art
Lepanto 406
08025 Barcelona
     



Hotel Bel Art is a new 4 star hotel situated with easy access to the centre of Barcelona and just a few metres from the " Sant Pau" hospital and the famous "Sagrada Familia" made by Gaudi. The famous "Plaza de Catalunya" is only 3 stops by metro. the hotel offers a wide range of extra facilities, including a sports center which is just 50m away from the hotel..

Miró Hotel
Alameda Mazarredo, 77
48009 Bilbao

     



Nestled between the Guggenheim and Fine Arts Museum, Miró Hotel provides this dynamic city with an appropiate space in line with the transformation it has undergone. Designed by fashion designer Antonio Miró, this modern boutique-hotel is exquisite in every sense, combining functional design and personalized service..

Hotel Husa Jardines De Albia
San Vicente 6
48001 Bilbao

     



This hotel, which opened its doors with the Millennium, has the best possible location in the city of Bilbao, near the splendid Guggenheim Museum. There are 138 rooms, convention and function rooms, an executive floor, a cafeteria which opens on to the street, a restaurant, a gymnasium and its own car park..

Golf courses

Club Marina Golf Mojacar
Urbanización Marina de la Torre, Avenida del Mar, s/n
04368 Mojácar (Almería)
Tel. +34 950133235 / Fax +34 950133230

holes: 18
par: 72


The Marina Golf Mojacar course, is the new and exiting Levante almeriense golf course, surrounded by mediterranian seas, between Garrucha and Mojacar, with wonderful views from relaxing ocean views to colourful patches of laboured landscapes. Ramón Espinosa´s golf course design includes three lakes strategically situated giving you a comfortable environment of peaceful and delighful surroundings having a different view from one hole to the other making the game more chalenging in order for you to use your complete set of poles..


Montecastillo Hotel & Golf Resort
Carretera de Arcos, Km. 8,400
11400 Jerez de la Frontera (Cádiz)
Tel. +34 956151200 / Fax +34 956151209

holes: 18
par: 72


Venue of the Volvo Masters, a test forming part of the European Circuit, Montecastillo Golf is one of the best courses in the world. Designed by the legendary player Jack Nicklaus, it has been the venue for countless championships, including the Volvo Masters which it has hosted since 1997. It is situated a mere 9 kilometres from Jerez and offers the spectacular views enjoyed so much by its designer. It is a relatively gentle course and is accessible to all players, though it does contain some considerable uphill slopes..