Madrid

We began our tour at the Royal Palace - the cornerstone was laid in 1738.

The main entrance is located on the impressive Plaza de Armas, from which

the elegance and magnificence of the building's main façade can be seen.

This is the not so old Cathedral La Almudena built in 1993

We took our friend Julie's advice and found El Botin, famous as the oldest

restaurant in the world, (they have the Guinness book of records certificate).

In operation since 1725, the year of construction of the oven that is still the

heart of the restaurant.

We had roast suckling pig, the specialty of the restaurant, blood sausage, and

sangria.

Good Spanish red wine also.

El Botin has several levels with different dining rooms.  We were seated in the

basement near the Wine Cellar.

Madrid - Day 2 and escorted tour 1 was El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen.

2  moving vans can be placed on each side of the cross. General Franco had

built to remember the dead of Spain's civil war.  It is 492 feet high.

Basillica and monument:

The basillica goes through the mountain.

Crypt room for the kings and only Queen Isabella II's remains are here.

This will soon be closed.

Architecture in Spain.

Near Puerta del Sol Madrid.

Famous Plaza Mayor - Madrid.

The plaza has 9 entranceways - construction began in 1617 during

Philip III's reign.

The equestrian statue of Felipe III in the center of Plaza Mayor.

Agriculture Museum.

Train station entrance.

We caught the Madrid Metro at Atocha.