Madrid definitely has an eclectic mix of architecture, as I’ve already posted a few examples of (lizard and wedding cake buildings, most ostentatious belle epoque, and Herzog and de Meuron’s masterpiece). You can really get a feel for the history of Spain, just by walking around and observing different architectural influences over the centuries. Unfortunately,Continue reading “Architecture that tells a story”
Category Archives: Madrid
Giant pink sheep in the Puerta de Alcalá
I think the only thing the Puerta de Alcalá is missing is a giant pink sheep. Here’s why. Around November 20th every year, shepherds bring their flocks of sheep directly through the center of Madrid, in between these two stone markers (mojones) on the eastern side of Plaza Alcalá. This is supposed to be quiteContinue reading “Giant pink sheep in the Puerta de Alcalá”
Ornate street signs that I have to finally post about
I’ve been secretly wanting to post about the street signs in Madrid ever since I moved here. Each street in Madrid has a sign intricately painted on nine white tiles that commemorates its history, and some of the illustrations have dark stories to tell. This one tells the story of a miracle, and you canContinue reading “Ornate street signs that I have to finally post about”
Ella: Geting closer
I just rediscovered this video that I created with Imovie last fall. I was taking various videos in my explorations around my new city of Madrid. I called it Ella after the fictional character in many of my creations, who may imbue many of my own characteristics.
Fallen angels, gigantic monuments and an open-air sculpture museum
Madrid is home to the only statue in the world dedicated to Lucifer, the fallen angel who is believed to become the devil. It’s well worth a detour to see, especially since it’s in beautiful Retiro Park. Sculpted by Ricardo Bellver, a Madrid sculptor living in Rome in 1877, it caused a great deal ofContinue reading “Fallen angels, gigantic monuments and an open-air sculpture museum”
Google Earth Madrid
More things you didn’t know about Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor has a much darker past than you would imagine from the fun and festivities that fill the square these days. In the 17th and 18th Centuries it was the regular location for autos-de-fé, public condemnations for crimes against religion during the Inquisition. Prisoners sentenced to blasphemy, adultery, witchcraft and other crimes were burned,Continue reading “More things you didn’t know about Plaza Mayor”
Things you probably don’t know about Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor is the busiest place in Madrid, maybe with the exception of Plaza del Sol. There are a million tourists, street performers, Spaniards with their children, and of course the ever present pick-pockets. I was overwhelmed by this area when we first visited because places like this remind me of Times Square in NewContinue reading “Things you probably don’t know about Plaza Mayor”
City Projects and Platforms for Social Interaction
Wierd. I’m finally using the new format for blogger and it’s really different. I feel like I’m typing into an open void. Well… Anyways, I’m having a few ideas flying around in my head and I’d like to pin them down on the page. So I mentioned a few days ago that I have thisContinue reading “City Projects and Platforms for Social Interaction”
Yes, I am a guiri
Check out my post on the Guiri Guide to Madrid: La Casa Encendida: Look at art and learn Photoshop too!