5. El Centro y el Oeste PDF

## 5. EL CENTRO Y EL OESTE **Madrid**, the capital of Spain, is located in the geographic center of the country. Its museums attract many tourists and travelers each year, who also find a varied range of leisure activities in the city. In the surrounding areas of Madrid is the impressive and auster...

## 5. EL CENTRO Y EL OESTE **Madrid**, the capital of Spain, is located in the geographic center of the country. Its museums attract many tourists and travelers each year, who also find a varied range of leisure activities in the city. In the surrounding areas of Madrid is the impressive and austere Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, which houses magnificent works of art. In the center of Spain are other attractive cities full of history: * **Toledo**, a jewel just a few kilometers from Madrid. * **Burgos** and **León**, with their Gothic cathedrals. * **Salamanca**, with its splendid Plateresque style. * **Ávila**, the walled medieval city. * **Segovia**, with its Alcázar and Roman aqueduct. * **Mérida**, with its Roman ruins. * **Cáceres**, with its medieval palaces and Renaissance buildings. Also, in the two Castillas are many castles built by Christians and Arabs during the Reconquista. For all these reasons, the center is a testament to the history of Spain and the setting for adventures of literary characters such as Don Quixote, Lazarillo de Tormes, the Cid Campeador, and contemporary novels. ### Map of Spain The map of Spain is divided into regions, including: * **Castilla y León** * **Madrid** * **Castilla - La Mancha** * **Extremadura** * **Sistema Central** * **Sistema Ibérico** * **Meseta Septentrional** * **Meseta Meridional** The map also highlights: * **Catedral de Burgos** * **El Palacio de Comunicaciones** ### Activities 1. Watch the video and complete the sentences: a. **La Plaza Mayor** is a square where the famous clock and the statue of Charles III are located. b. **La Plaza de la Villa** includes the Casa de la Panadería and the statue of Felipe III. Since 1860, the Christmas market takes place there. c. The **Mercado de San Miguel** is located near the Plaza Mayor and preserves its original iron structure from the early 20th century. d. **The Gran Vía** is 10,200 meters long and is also known as "Calle de los Banqueros" (Bankers' Street) because it is the center of financial power. e. The **Palacio de Comunicaciones**, called the **CentroCentro** since 2011, is one of the first examples of modern architecture. f. The **Banco de España** is a Cultural Heritage Site and the central headquarters of the Central Bank. Inside, there is a collection of Goya's paintings. g. In the center of **Plaza de Cibeles** is the **Fuente de Cibeles.** h. The **Parque del Retiro**, known as the "lung of Madrid," houses the Palacio de Cristal and a large artificial lake. i. One of the most important avenues is the **Paseo de la Castellana,** where the leaning **Torres Kio** are located. j. One of the most beautiful neighborhoods is **La Latina:** a bohemian neighborhood where a large open-air market is organized every Sunday. 2. Observe the map of Madrid and locate the ten tourist sites mentioned in the video. 3. Investigate: Search for information (origin, meaning, distribution, use, etc.) about the following popular phrases from Madrid slang: * De Madrid al cielo * Más chulo que un ocho * Tonto del bote * Das más lata que Cascorro * Aquí va a haber un 2 de mayo ### Madrid **The capital of Spain and the center of the country** **THE BIRTH OF THE CAPITAL** In 1561, **Felipe II** decided that the capital of Spain had to be located in a central point of the peninsula, in a way that was equidistant from the different seaports so that he could supervise all the territories better. For this reason, he chose **Madrid**, a small village that had been growing around an Arab fortress built in the 9th century and had been conquered by the Christians between 1083 and 1086. From 1561 onwards, this village transformed into the capital of a vast empire: during the 16th and 17th centuries, the kings were the architects of the development and artistic enrichment of Madrid, ordering the construction of squares, churches, palaces, convents, etc. This area is known as **Madrid of the Austrias** because of the name of the dynasty to which these kings belonged. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the monarchs of the House of Bourbon continued embellishing the city with monuments, gardens, squares, and fountains: this is the area known as **Madrid of the Bourbons**, which reflects the spirit of the Enlightenment. Today, Madrid is still experiencing urban development and, thanks to its modern and efficient transport infrastructure, it is very well connected to most Spanish cities. **THE GRAN VÍA** Today, Madrid is the political, cultural, economic, and financial capital of the country. Located at almost 700 meters above sea level, it has about three million inhabitants. The Gran Vía is the main artery of the city: a place of continuous traffic of vehicles and people where hundreds of shops, cinemas, bookstores, hotels, restaurants, and bars can be found. The history of the Gran Vía dates back to the beginning of 1910, when Alfonso XII, with a gold pickaxe in hand, began to demolish a sizable number of houses and streets to make room for this spacious avenue designed in the style of Paris, a city that at the time was setting the urban design of European capitals. Among the impressive buildings that it houses, some have a Parisian influence, like the **Metrópolis building**, others have a New York influence, like the **Telefonica building**, and others are modernist, like the **Capitol cinema**. At the same time, the Gran Vía reflects the emerging consumer society of Madrid, because luxury shops and the first commercial galleries were set up there. **Kilometer 0** The **Puerta del Sol** is one of the most emblematic places of the capital and includes the Kilometer 0 tile: a granite and brass tile where the outline of Spain can be seen with the national radial roads that originate in Madrid and branch out to the Basque Country, Catalonia, Valencia, Andalusia, Extremadura, and Galicia. ### El Madrid de los Austrias **THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND THE PLAZA MAYOR** The Madrid of the Austrias is located between the Puerta del Sol and the Palacio Real. It is the oldest neighborhood of the city; its squares and streets house buildings built with the typical materials used in the construction of Madrid: stone and brick for the facades and slate for the roofs. The heart of the Madrid of the Austrias is the porticoed **Plaza Mayor**. It was the city's first major building as the capital of Spain. Rectangular in shape, it was commissioned by **King Felipe III** for the celebration of public events: it was the scene of executions and trials by the Holy Inquisition, coronations of kings, theatrical works, bullfights, and other types of celebrations. Royalty used to attend the most important events from the **Casa de la Panadería**. This building owes its name to the fact that it was the main bread shop in the city. It is presently decorated with allegorical figures and houses some municipal offices. Since its construction was completed in 1617, the square has undergone several transformations due to the different fires that have threatened it, but, nevertheless, nine access gates are preserved, including the famous **Arco de Cuchilleros**. **OTHER SITES IN THE AREA** Close to the square is the **Colegiata de San Isidro**, the old cathedral of the city. In the **Plaza de la Villa**, a few meters from the Plaza Mayor, three constructions of great historical value can be seen: **the Torre de los Lujanes** (15th century), with a Gothic-Mudéjar style; **the Casa de Cisneros** (16th century), with a Plateresque style; and **the Casa de la Villa** (17th century), with a baroque style. Other sites of interest are the **monasteries of the Descalzas Reales (16th century)** and **the Encarnación (17th century)**. While it is a later structure, the area also houses the **Palacio Real**. Along with the **Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Almudena** and the **Teatro Real**, they create a neoclassical setting of great charm. The **Plaza de Oriente**, between the Palacio Real and the Teatro Real, is adorned with different sculptures of Spanish kings. The majestic **Palacio Real** symbolizes the power of the Spanish Empire and occupies the site of an old Arab fortress, which was demolished by a fire in 1734. Built between 1738 and 1755, its interior boasts decorations inside the rooms, such as the **Salón del Trono**, which dates back to **the reign of Carlos III**. Also noteworthy are the collection of luxury weapons of the 15th century now housed in the Museo Real de Armería and the richness of the manuscripts kept in the library. The Palace was home to the kings of Spain until 1931; however, today the king uses it to hold state ceremonies and official functions. The Royal Family does not live there, although it is the official residence. ### El Madrid de los Borbones **THE NEIGHBORHOOD** Located between the Puerta del Sol and the Retiro park, Madrid of the Bourbons is the most elegant neighborhood of the city, with wide, shaded avenues, luxury hotels, and stately buildings that serve as headquarters for banks and ministries. The squares and facades of this area are decorated with mythological statues, such as armed goddesses and heroes, of surprising grandeur and beauty. **TOURIST SITES IN THE AREA** The **Puerta del Sol** is the heart of Madrid and, according to the kilometer 0 tile, also of all of Spain. Opposite the square is the most emblematic statue in the city: the **bear and the madroño (strawberry tree)**. This square is always full of people; it is a meeting place for friends to go shopping, for a walk, or to party all night. And it is also where demonstrations, artistic events, and festivals are held, such as New Year's Eve. Another lively place is the **Retiro Park**, a green space of 125 hectares in the center of the city. Inside, there is a collection of gardens, including a classical garden, a rose garden, and the oldest tree in the city, which is estimated to be about 400 years old. Besides being one of the lungs of the city, it has important architectural and historical elements, such as the **big pond**, which can be navigated by rowing boat; the **Palacio de Velázquez**; the **Palacio de Cristal**, housing a collection of exotic plants; the **monument to Alfonso XII**, or the **Bosque del Recuerdo** (Memory Grove) honoring the victims of the terrorist attacks of March 11, 2004. **The Plaza de Cibeles** is another point of interest. It takes its name because in the center there is a fountain with the goddess Cibele, sitting in a chariot pulled by lions. The square is surrounded by stately buildings, such as the **Palacio de Comunicaciones**, one of the main architectural gems of the city, which serves as city hall, and the **Banco de España**. A few meters away is the **Puerta de Alcalá**, a triumphal arch built in the neoclassical style between 1768 and 1778 to commemorate Charles III's entry into the city. In Madrid of the Bourbons is also the **Paseo del Prado**, the most famous avenue in the city, because it houses three of the most important museums in Spain: **the Museo del Prado**, the **Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía**, and the **Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza.** ### El oso y el madroño In the **Puerta del Sol** is the **bear and the madroño (strawberry tree)**: the emblem of Madrid. In the past, the bear was a typical symbol of Madrid, probably because it was an animal that abounded in the nearby mountains. The addition of the tree, or the madroño, seems to have come later, and there is no precise explanation as to why this tree was chosen, since it was not common. ### Activities 1. Answer the questions: a. What are the differences between the areas of Madrid of the Austrias and Madrid of the Bourbons? b. What is inside the Palacio Real? What use does the Royal Family make of it? c. What is the Bosque del Recuerdo, and where is it located? d. Where are the three most important museums of Spain located. 2. Watch the video, indicate whether the statements are true or false, and correct the false ones. a. The buildings located in Plaza de España date back to the 1950s. **VF** b. The lions in the throne room of the Palacio Real symbolize the power of the Spanish Empire. **VF** c. The Jardines de Sabatini were built before the Second Republic. **VF** d. The Royal Collection that can be visited in the Museo del Prado consists of 15th-century paintings. **VF** e. The collection of the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza is owned by the City Council. **VF** f. The Museo Reina Sofía is housed in the old Atocha Station. **VF** 3. Read the questions. Then listen to the recording about the meaning of the name "Madrid" and about Islamic and medieval Madrid, and take notes to answer using your own words. a. What was the first name of the current capital of Spain, and what did the term mean? b. What is known about the settlement that gave rise to Madrid? c. Where was the Mezquita Mayor located? d. What is said about the legend of the Virgin of la Almudena? 4. Digital Competence: Following the instructions provided below, create a multimedia presentation and present it to the class. Due to the architectural variety of its buildings, the Spanish capital could be considered an open-air museum. In fact, Madrid has been the laboratory of experimentation of modern and contemporary architecture in Spain. In groups, search for information on the internet and prepare a presentation on the modern architecture of the city. Here are some examples, but you can include others: * Torres Kio * Torres Blancas * Torres Colón * Cuatro Torres Financial Center * Matadero * Torre Picasso * 3D printed bridge * Ciudad BBVA * CaixaForum The presentation should include: * Designer and/or builder of the building and the year of creation. * Location * Main features * Current use of the building and whether it is for public or private use. 5. Investigate: Madrid is the capital of Spain and one of the most important metropolitan areas in Europe. Search for specific information on these topics and write an informative-descriptive text (150-180 words) using the information you find. Remember to give it a title. * Telecommunications and transport * Official institutions * Economy: productive activities, commerce, and business areas. * International fairs and cultural events * Local festivals and gastronomy ### El Madrid de los Austrias **THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND THE PLAZA MAYOR** The Madrid of the Austrias is located between the Puerta del Sol and the Palacio Real. It is the oldest neighborhood of the city; its squares and streets house buildings built with the typical materials used in the construction of Madrid: stone and brick for the facades and slate for the roofs. The heart of the Madrid of the Austrias is the porticoed **Plaza Mayor**. It was the city's first major building as the capital of Spain. Rectangular in shape, it was commissioned by **King Felipe III** for the celebration of public events: *it was the scene of executions and trials by the Holy Inquisition, coronations of kings, theatrical works, bullfights, and other types of celebrations.* Royalty used to attend the most important events from the **Casa de la Panadería**. This building owes its name to the fact that it was the main bread shop in the city. It is presently decorated with allegorical figures and houses some municipal offices. Since its construction was completed in 1617, the square has undergone several transformations due to the different fires that have threatened it, but, nevertheless, nine access gates are preserved, including the famous **Arco de Cuchilleros**. **OTHER SITES IN THE AREA** Close to the square is the **Colegiata de San Isidro**, the old cathedral of the city. In the **Plaza de la Villa**, a few meters from the Plaza Mayor, three constructions of great historical value can be seen: **the Torre de los Lujanes** (15th century), with a Gothic-Mudéjar style; **the Casa de Cisneros** (16th century), with a Plateresque style; and **the Casa de la Villa** (17th century), with a baroque style. Other sites of interest are the **monasteries of the Descalzas Reales (16th century)** and **the Encarnación (17th century)**. While it is a later structure, the area also houses the **Palacio Real**. Along with the **Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Almudena** and the **Teatro Real**, they create a neoclassical setting of great charm. The **Plaza de Oriente**, between the Palacio Real and the Teatro Real, is adorned with different sculptures of Spanish kings. The majestic **Palacio Real** symbolizes the power of the Spanish Empire and occupies the site of an old Arab fortress, which was demolished by a fire in 1734. Built between 1738 and 1755, its interior boasts decorations inside the rooms, such as the **Salón del Trono**, which dates back to **the reign of Carlos III**. Also noteworthy are the collection of luxury weapons of the 15th century now housed in the Museo Real de Armería and the richness of the manuscripts kept in the library. The Palace was home to the kings of Spain until 1931; however, today the king uses it to hold state ceremonies and official functions. The Royal Family does not live there, although it is the official residence. ### El Madrid de los Borbones **THE NEIGHBORHOOD** Located between the Puerta del Sol and the Retiro park, Madrid of the Bourbons is the most elegant neighborhood of the city, with wide, shaded avenues, luxury hotels, and stately buildings that serve as headquarters for banks and ministries. The squares and facades of this area are decorated with mythological statues, such as armed goddesses and heroes, of surprising grandeur and beauty. **TOURIST SITES IN THE AREA** The **Puerta del Sol** is the heart of Madrid and, according to the kilometer 0 tile, also of all of Spain. Opposite the square is the most emblematic statue in the city: the **bear and the madroño (strawberry tree)**. This square is always full of people; it is a meeting place for friends to go shopping, for a walk, or to party all night. And it is also where demonstrations, artistic events, and festivals are held, such as New Year's Eve. Another lively place is the **Retiro Park**, a green space of 125 hectares in the center of the city. Inside, there is a collection of gardens, including a classical garden, a rose garden, and the oldest tree in the city, which is estimated to be about 400 years old. Besides being one of the lungs of the city, it has important architectural and historical elements, such as the **big pond**, which can be navigated by rowing boat; the **Palacio de Velázquez**; the **Palacio de Cristal**, housing a collection of exotic plants; the **monument to Alfonso XII**, or the **Bosque del Recuerdo** (Memory Grove) honoring the victims of the terrorist attacks of March 11, 2004. **The Plaza de Cibeles** is another point of interest. It takes its name because in the center there is a fountain with the goddess Cibele, sitting in a chariot pulled by lions. The square is surrounded by stately buildings, such as the **Palacio de Comunicaciones**, one of the main architectural gems of the city, which serves as city hall, and the **Banco de España**. A few meters away is the **Puerta de Alcalá**, a triumphal arch built in the neoclassical style between 1768 and 1778 to commemorate Charles III's entry into the city. In Madrid of the Bourbons is also the **Paseo del Prado**, the most famous avenue in the city, because it houses three of the most important museums in Spain: **the Museo del Prado**, the **Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía**, and the **Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza.** ### El oso y el madroño In the **Puerta del Sol** is the **bear and the madroño (strawberry tree)**: the emblem of Madrid. In the past, the bear was a typical symbol of Madrid, probably because it was an animal that abounded in the nearby mountains. The addition of the tree, or the madroño, seems to have come later, and there is no precise explanation as to why this tree was chosen, since it was not common. ### Activities 1. Answer the questions: a. What are the differences between the areas of Madrid of the Austrias and Madrid of the Bourbons? b. What is inside the Palacio Real? What use does the Royal Family make of it? c. What is the Bosque del Recuerdo, and where is it located? d. Where are the three most important museums of Spain located. 2. Watch the video, indicate whether the statements are true or false, and correct the false ones. a. The buildings located in Plaza de España date back to the 1950s. **VF** b. The lions in the throne room of the Palacio Real symbolize the power of the Spanish Empire. **VF** c. The Jardines de Sabatini were built before the Second Republic. **VF** d. The Royal Collection that can be visited in the Museo del Prado consists of 15th-century paintings. **VF** e. The collection of the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza is owned by the City Council. **VF** f. The Museo Reina Sofía is housed in the old Atocha Station. **VF** 3. Read the questions. Then listen to the recording about the meaning of the name "Madrid" and about Islamic and medieval Madrid, and take notes to answer using your own words. a. What was the first name of the current capital of Spain, and what did the term mean? b. What is known about the settlement that gave rise to Madrid? c. Where was the Mezquita Mayor located? d. What is said about the legend of the Virgin of la Almudena? 4. Digital Competence: Following the instructions provided below, create a multimedia presentation and present it to the class. Due to the architectural variety of its buildings, the Spanish capital could be considered an open-air museum. In fact, Madrid has been the laboratory of experimentation of modern and contemporary architecture in Spain. In groups, search for information on the internet and prepare a presentation on the modern architecture of the city. Here are some examples, but you can include others: * Torres Kio * Torres Blancas * Torres Colón * Cuatro Torres Financial Center * Matadero * Torre Picasso * 3D printed bridge * Ciudad BBVA * CaixaForum The presentation should include: * Designer and/or builder of the building and the year of creation. * Location * Main features * Current use of the building and whether it is for public or private use. 5. Investigate: Madrid is the capital of Spain and one of the most important metropolitan areas in Europe. Search for specific information on these topics and write an informative-descriptive text (150-180 words) using the information you find. Remember to give it a title. * Telecommunications and transport * Official institutions * Economy: productive activities, commerce, and business areas. * International fairs and cultural events * Local festivals and gastronomy ### The Madrid of the Austrias **THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND THE PLAZA MAYOR** The Madrid of the Austrias is located between the Puerta del Sol and the Palacio Real. It is the oldest neighborhood of the city; its squares and streets house buildings built with the typical materials used in the construction of Madrid: stone and brick for the facades and slate for the roofs. The heart of the Madrid of the Austrias is the porticoed **Plaza Mayor**. It was the city's first major building as the capital of Spain. Rectangular in shape, it was commissioned by **King Felipe III** for the celebration of public events: *it was the scene of executions and trials by the Holy Inquisition, coronations of kings, theatrical works, bullfights, and other types of celebrations.* Royalty used to attend the most important events from the **Casa de la Panadería**. This building owes its name to the fact that it was the main bread shop in the city. It is presently decorated with allegorical figures and houses some municipal offices. Since its construction was completed in 1617, the square has undergone several transformations due to the different fires that have threatened it, but, nevertheless, nine access gates are preserved, including the famous **Arco de Cuchilleros**. **OTHER SITES IN THE AREA** Close to the square is the **Colegiata de San Isidro**, the old cathedral of the city. In the **Plaza de la Villa**, a few meters from the Plaza Mayor, three constructions of great historical value can be seen: **the Torre de los Lujanes** (15th century), with a Gothic-Mudéjar style; **the Casa de Cisneros** (16th century), with a Plateresque style; and **the Casa de la Villa** (17th century), with a baroque style. Other sites of interest are the **monasteries of the Descalzas Reales (16th century)** and **the Encarnación (17th century)**. While it is a later structure, the area also houses the **Palacio Real**. Along with the **Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Almudena** and the **Teatro Real**, they create a neoclassical setting of great charm. The **Plaza de Oriente**, between the Palacio Real and the Teatro Real, is adorned with different sculptures of Spanish kings. The majestic **Palacio Real** symbolizes the power of the Spanish Empire and occupies the site of an old Arab fortress, which was demolished by a fire in 1734. Built between 1738 and 1755, its interior boasts decorations inside the rooms, such as the **Salón del Trono**, which dates back to **the reign of Carlos III**. Also noteworthy are the collection of luxury weapons of the 15th century now housed in the Museo Real de Armería and the richness of the manuscripts kept in the library. The Palace was home to the kings of Spain until 1931; however, today the king uses it to hold state ceremonies and official functions. The Royal Family does not live there, although it is the official residence. ### El Madrid de los Borbones **THE NEIGHBORHOOD** Located between the Puerta del Sol and the Retiro park, Madrid of the Bourbons is the most elegant neighborhood of the city, with wide, shaded avenues, luxury hotels, and stately buildings that serve as headquarters for banks and ministries. The squares and facades of this area are decorated with mythological statues, such as armed goddesses and heroes, of surprising grandeur and beauty. **TOURIST SITES IN THE AREA** The **Puerta del Sol** is the heart of Madrid and, according to the kilometer 0 tile, also of all of Spain. Opposite the square is the most emblematic statue in the city: the **bear and the madroño (strawberry tree)**. This square is always full of people; it is a meeting place for friends to go shopping, for a walk, or to party all night. And it is also where demonstrations, artistic events, and festivals are held, such as New Year's Eve. Another lively place is the **Retiro Park**, a green space of 125 hectares in the center of the city. Inside, there is a collection of gardens, including a classical garden, a rose garden, and the oldest tree in the city, which is estimated to be about 400 years old. Besides being one of the lungs of the city, it has important architectural and historical elements, such as the **big pond**, which can be navigated by rowing boat; the **Palacio de Velázquez**; the **Palacio de Cristal**, housing a collection of exotic plants; the **monument to Alfonso XII**, or the **Bosque del Recuerdo** (Memory Grove) honoring the victims of the terrorist attacks of March 11, 2004. **The Plaza de Cibeles** is another point of interest. It takes its name because in the center there is a fountain with the goddess Cibele, sitting in a chariot pulled by lions. The square is surrounded by stately buildings, such as the **Palacio de Comunicaciones**, one of the main architectural gems of the city, which serves as city hall, and the **Banco de España**. A few meters away is the **Puerta de Alcalá**, a triumphal arch built in the neoclassical style between 1768 and 1778 to commemorate Charles III's entry into the city. In Madrid of the Bourbons is also the **Paseo del Prado**, the most famous avenue in the city, because it houses three of the most important museums in Spain: **the Museo del Prado**, the **Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía**, and the **Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza.** ### El oso y el madroño In the **Puerta del Sol** is the **bear and the madroño (strawberry tree)**: the emblem of Madrid. In the past, the bear was a typical symbol of Madrid, probably because it was an animal that abounded in the nearby mountains. The addition of the tree, or the madroño, seems to have come later, and there is no precise explanation as to why this tree was chosen, since it was not common. ### Activities 1. Answer the questions: a. What are the differences between the areas of Madrid of the Austrias and Madrid of the Bourbons? b. What is inside the Palacio Real? What use does the Royal Family make of it? c. What is the Bosque del Recuerdo, and where is it located? d. Where are the three most important museums of Spain located. 2. Watch the video, indicate whether the statements are true or false, and correct the false ones. a. The buildings located in Plaza de España date back to the 1950s. **VF** b. The lions in the throne room of the Palacio Real symbolize the power of the Spanish Empire. **VF** c. The Jardines de Sabatini were built before the Second Republic. **VF** d. The Royal Collection that can be visited in the Museo del Prado consists of 15th-century paintings. **VF** e. The collection of the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza is owned by the City Council. **VF** f. The Museo Reina Sofía is housed in the old Atocha Station. **VF** 3. Read the questions. Then listen to the recording about the meaning of the name "Madrid" and about Islamic and medieval Madrid, and take notes to answer using your own words. a. What was the first name of the current capital of Spain, and what did the term mean? b. What is known about the settlement that gave rise to Madrid? c. Where was the Mezquita Mayor located? d. What is said about the legend of the Virgin of la Almudena? 4. Digital Competence: Following the instructions provided below, create a multimedia presentation and present it to the class. Due to the architectural variety of its buildings, the Spanish capital could be considered an open-air museum. In fact, Madrid has been the laboratory of experimentation of modern and contemporary architecture in Spain. In groups, search for information on the internet and prepare a presentation on the modern architecture of the city. Here are some examples, but you can include others: * Torres Kio * Torres Blancas * Torres Colón * Cuatro Torres Financial Center * Matadero * Torre Picasso * 3D printed bridge * Ciudad BBVA * CaixaForum The presentation should include: * Designer and/or builder of the building and the year of creation. * Location * Main features * Current use of the building and whether it is for public or private use. 5. Investigate: Madrid is the capital of Spain and one of the most important metropolitan areas in Europe. Search for specific information on these topics and write an informative-descriptive text (150-180 words) using the information you find. Remember to give it a title. * Telecommunications and transport * Official institutions * Economy: productive activities, commerce, and business areas. * International fairs and cultural events * Local festivals and gastronomy ### The Madrid of the Austrias **THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND THE PLAZA MAYOR** The Madrid of the Austrias is located between the Puerta del Sol and the Palacio Real. It is the oldest neighborhood of the city; its squares and streets house buildings built with the typical materials used in the construction of Madrid: stone and brick for the facades and slate for the roofs. The heart of the Madrid of the Austrias is the porticoed **Plaza Mayor**. It was the city's first major building as the capital of Spain. Rectangular in shape, it was commissioned by **King Felipe III** for the celebration of public events: *it was the scene of executions and trials by the Holy Inquisition, coronations of kings, theatrical works, bullfights, and other types of celebrations.* Royalty used to attend the most important events from the **Casa de la Panadería**. This building owes its name to the fact that it was the main bread shop in the city. It is presently decorated with allegorical figures and houses some municipal offices. Since its construction was completed in 1617, the square has undergone several transformations due to the different fires that have threatened it, but, nevertheless, nine access gates are preserved, including the famous **Arco de Cuchilleros**. **OTHER SITES IN THE AREA** Close to the square is the **Colegiata de San Isidro**, the old cathedral of the city. In the **Plaza de la Villa**, a few meters from the Plaza Mayor, three constructions of great historical value can be seen: **the Torre de los Lujanes** (15th century), with a Gothic-Mudéjar style; **the Casa de Cisneros** (16th century), with a Plateresque style; and **the Casa de la Villa** (17th century), with a baroque style. Other sites of interest are the **monasteries of the Descalzas Reales (16th century)** and **the Encarnación (17th century)**. While it is a later structure, the area also houses the **Palacio Real**. Along with the **Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Almudena** and the **Teatro Real**, they create a neoclassical setting of great charm. The **Plaza de Oriente**, between the Palacio Real and the Teatro Real, is adorned with different sculptures of Spanish kings. The majestic **Palacio Real** symbolizes the power of the Spanish Empire and occupies the site of an old Arab fortress, which was demolished by a fire in 1734. Built between 1738 and 1755, its interior boasts decorations inside the rooms, such as the **Salón del Trono**, which dates back to **the reign of Carlos III**. Also noteworthy are the collection of luxury weapons of the 15th century now housed in the Museo Real de Armería and the richness of the manuscripts kept in the library. The Palace was home to the kings of Spain until 1931; however, today the king uses it to hold state ceremonies and official functions. The Royal Family does not live there, although it is the official residence. ### El Madrid de los Borbones **THE NEIGHBORHOOD** Located between the Puerta del Sol and the Retiro park, Madrid of the Bourbons is the most elegant neighborhood of the city, with wide, shaded avenues, luxury hotels, and stately buildings that serve as headquarters for banks and ministries. The squares and facades of this area are decorated with mythological statues, such as armed goddesses and heroes, of surprising grandeur and beauty. **TOURIST SITES