MONASTERIO DE LAS DESCALZAS REALES

Starting from Plaza de Santo Domingo and along Veneras street, where Rubén Darío lived, you get to Plaza de las Descalzas, where the monastery of the Descalzas Reales is found. The building was an old Palace where Charles I and Elisabeth of Portugal lived. In 1557, their daugther Jane, founded a convent of barefooted Franciscan nuns. Princess Jane first lived in the monastery and then her sister Maria until she died in 1603.

In the cloistered area, apart from the structure, many ornamental elements from the old Renaissance palace have been preserved. It houses works of a great art value, such as the paintings in the Chapel of Miracles and at the stairs, frescoes from the 17th century.

The tapestries representing the Apotheosis of the Eucharist are also interesting to see. The were woven in Brussels following desings by Rubens and they were commissioned by Princess Isabel Clara Eugenia, daugther to Philip II.

Address:
Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales.
Plaza de las Descalzas, 3
28013- Madrid
Phone: +34 91 454 88 00

Opening times:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday: 10:30 to 12:45 hours and 16:00 to 17:45 hours.
Friday: 10:30 to 12:45 hours.
Sunday and public holidays: 11:00 to 13:45 hours.
Closed Monday all day, Friday, Sunday and public holidays, in the afternoon and on official celebrations.

Prices:
Basic, with a guide: 5 euros.
Reduced, with a guide: 4 euros.
Minimum, with a guide: 2,50 euros.

SPOT FOR GENTLE WALKING

THE ROYAL PALACE

The Royal Palace,one of the most beautiful palaces in the world,stands majestically in one of the loveliest areas in Madrid as is overlooks the city landscape.Surrounded by other lovely constructions(as Almudena Cathedral),it forms a spectacular architectural emsemble.

It was King Philip V that ordered its constructions over the old fortress,although he would never enjoy it.The Palace has withstood the passing of time and is beautifully preserved.If the building is wonderful outside,its interior is magnificently decorated and ornamented,porcelains,tapestries,carpets,jewels,clocks and even a most impressive table for 100 guests,as well as a select collection of paintings by artists as well-known as Tiépolo,Goya,Velázquez or Lucas Jordán,among others.

Visitors must not miss the Jardines del Moro(Moor´s Gardens)surrounding the Palace and created to make it even more beautiful.A great variety of plants,fountains and statues makes this place a lovely spot for gentle walking and contemplation.

Address:

Bailen street s/n

28071 Madrid

Phone:+34 91 454 88 00

Opening times:

Winter from Monday to Saturday:09:30 to 17:00 hours

MADRID CIUDAD HISTORICA

Gracias a su ubicación en el centro de la Meseta Central,Madrid se define por tres grandes unidades geográficas que le brindan una belleza singular:la sierra y la llanura del río Tajo,y el piedemonte,que las separa.
Además,la región cuenta con tres monumentos históricos declarados Patrimonio de la Humanidad:el Monasterio y Real Sitio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial,el Paisaje Cultural de Aranjuez y la Universidad de Alcalá de Henares,que hacen de Madrid un centro turístico de primer orden.

San Lorenzo de El Escorial.
Cuenta con uno de los más importantes monumentos de España,su Monasterio,mandado construir por Felipe II en el siglo XVI y que fue declarado Patrimonio de la Humanidad en 1984.

Aranjuez.
El Paisaje Cultural de esta hermosa villa está incluido en la lista del Patrimonio de la Humanidad,cuyo honor se debe,principalmente,a la zona del Palacio Real y sus aledaños,a sus bellos jardines históricos y a su casco antiguo.

Alcalá de Henares.
Fue declarada Ciudad Patrimonio de la Humanidad por la UNESCO en 1998,gracias a su nucleo histórico y el rectorado de la Universidad,de estilo renacentista.El Palacio Arzobispal,la Casa de los Lizana,el Convento de San Bernardo,las murallas medievales y el Palacio de Laredo completan el recorrido turístico por la ciudad.

MADRID HISTORICAL CITY

Thanks to its location,in the middle of the Central Meseta,Madrid defines itself by three big geographic units that provides it with a singular beauty:the mountain range and the Tajo river plain and the footbill that moves then apart.
Morcover,madrid have three historical monuments declared UNESCOS´s World Heritage:San Lorenzo de el Escorial monastery and Royal Venue,the cultural Landscape of Aranjuez and the Alcalá de Henares University.All of them make Madrid a first class tourist centre.
San Lorenzo de El Escorial.
Has one of the most important monuments in Spain:the monastery.Felipe II ordered its construction in the XVI century ans was declared UNESCO´s World Heritage site in 1984.It is also remarkable the city center.
Aranjuez.
Cultural Landscape of this breathtaking village it included in the UNESCO´s World Heritage list.An honor mainly owed to the Royal Palace zone and the surrounding arca,the marvelous historical gardens and the singular city center.
Alcalá de Henares.
Was declared UNESCO´s World Heritage site in 1998,thanks to the historic nerve centre and the University´s renaissance building-The Archbishop´s Palace,Casa de los Lizana,San Bernardo convent,the medieval fortifications and the Laredo Palace complete the tourist route through the town.

TODAY WE ARE VISITING.....

Today we are going to recommend you two visits:Templo de Debod and Museum of the City,both free entrance.
DEBOD TEMPLE.
The Debod Temple is a hidden jewel.The monument is over 2000 years old and was brought from Egypt stone by stone and reconstructed carefully in the park of Cuartel de la Montaña.
The Cuartel de la Montaña park is about 10minutes walking from the hotel near to Plaza de España.
MUSEUM OF THE CITY.
Is a centre created for everyone who wants to learn about Madrid,and analyses the evolution of the Capital through its infrastructures and history from primitives times to our day and age.
Address:Príncipe de Vergara,140
Bus:1(bus stop next to the hotel),9,52
Timetable: from Tuesday to Friday from 09.30 a.m to 20.00 p.m
Saturdays and Sundays from 10.00 a.m to 14.00 p.m

CURTAIN UP!

This year,between October 13 and November 16,The Autumn Festival will be staging its 25th edition.This year with a view commemorating its special anniversary,it will be presenting 44 shows,36 of which are from 13 different countries from Japan t Brazil to Unied Kingdom.
The proposals,will be performed in 27 venues,accommodating dance,theatre,circus and music.

Three great Musicals in Madrid.

• Grease in Nuevo teatro Alcalá (Jorge Juan,62)

The musical of your life commemorating its 30th birthday.

• High School Musical in Teatro Lope de Vega (Gran Vía,57)

Troy and Gabriella meet at a Karaoke during their vacations.All these two teens have in common is their undiscovered passion for music.

• Beauty and the Beast in Teatro Coliseum (Gran Vía,78)

The Disney classic becomes a magnificent musical,loaded with magic and poetry.

Emperador Hotel in TV Magazine "Madrid Directo"

Dear Friends,

Last June 5th I celebrated a Inaguration Cocktail of my Roof Garden and Swimming-pool, with some clients and friends, and a TV Channel, TELEMADRID, was here and show some images of my rooftop that I link here for you.

Don't miss this video, click here.

Rock in Rio - Madrid 2008

You can’t miss this summer’s stellar event: Neil Young, El Canto del Loco, Shakira, The Police, Bob Dylan, Tokio Hotel, Amy Winehouse, Alejandro Sanz, Estopa...

The list of artists for the festival Rock in Rio Madrid is already closed. Thus, the present configuration of artists for the three music spaces of the City of Rock is final, with shows by Bob Dylan or David Guetta confirmed in the last few hours.

Neil Young, El Canto del Loco, Shakira, The Police and Bob Dylan will lead the different days at Escenario Mundo. The Electrónica sessions will host figures such as Guetta, Carl Cox, Satoshi Tomiee, Body & Soul and Sasha & Digweed. Also, Loquillo, Mando Diao, Orishas, Zucchero and Café Tacuba will do their thing on the Hot Stage. All in all, over 60 national and international artists encompassing all musical styles in an incomparable show. These are the main performances for each day by stage:

MUNDO “STAGE”
o June 27th: Neil Young, Manolo García, Jack Johnson, Alanis Morissette.
o June 28th: El Canto del Loco, Tokio Hotel, Carlinhos Brown and Ivete Sangalo.
o July 4th: Shakira, Jamiroquai, Amy Winehouse and James Morrison.
o July 5th: The Police, Alejandro Sanz, Estopa and Flamenco All Stars (Antonio Carmona, Rosario Flores, Pitingo and La Negra)
o July 6th: Bob Dylan, Lenny Kravitz, Franz Ferdinand, Chris Cornell and closure with Tiësto.

ELECTRÓNICA
o June 27th, Co-Hosted by Pacha Ibiza: David Guetta, Wally López, Sara Main, Goldfish, Superlush DJ´s (JP Candela & Nano)
o June 28th: Carl Cox, Cristian Varela, Locodice, Elio Riso.
o July 4th: Satoshi Tomiie, Chus & Ceballos, Simon & Shaker, D- Formation, Jose Luis Magoya.
o July 5th: Body & Soul (François K, Danny Krivit, Joe Clausell) and Gilbert L Funk.
o July 6th: Sasha&Digweed, Dj Vibe, Gerardo Niva, Roberto Rodríguez.

HOT STAGE
o June 27th: Loquillo, The Rights Ons and Lilith.
o June 28th: Mando Diao, Standard and Espacio movistar Artist.
o July 4th: Orishas, Los Delinquëntes and Destino RIR Artist.
o July 5th: Zucchero, Suzanne Vega and The Cabriolets.
o July 6th: Café Tacuba, Draco and Jet Lag.

Source: http://www.esmadrid.com/

Additional information: http://www.rockinriomadrid.terra.es/ and http://www.esmadrid.com/

Events Calendar Week April 14th to 20th

Hi, friends!

One week more I select for you the principal events in Madrid for the next week.

If you need additional information, please, contact our source: www.esmadrid.com

Casa Decor
Sixteen years after the first fair, Casa Decor intends to renew its principles and proposes a new concept for life, trying to reflect of course- the most revolutionary trends as far as interior design and space creation are concerned. This year, it will be located in an industrial building in Nuiremberg st. Its 8,000 square metres have served to put forward a new philosophy to fill up the space and to reflect the new conditions of public and private uses of the space. Its ultimate aim is the creation of a specific language where buildings may be conceived as an independent city within the real city. Thus, it will display home interiors and public spaces, such as gardens, streets or public premises. The communication and the interrelation between public and private spaces will play a transcendental role on this occasion.

Goya in Times of War
To coincide with the 200th anniversary of the events of May 1808 and the start of the Spanish War of Independence, the Prado Museum will present a major exhibition devoted to Goya starting on April 15th. It focuses on the two great canvases of May 2nd and 3rd 1808 in Madrid which are currently being cleaned and restored, while also analysing and presenting Goya in a broader context. The show, gathering some 200 works, is divided into several chapters, corresponding to different moments in Spanish history which framed the life of the Aragonese painter and the evolution of his art.

4th Season of music in the churches of Madrid. The Cantatas by J.S. Bach
The Music in the churches of Madrid season holds its fourth edition this year. From October 2007 to June 2008, concerts are performed once a month on week-ends in the churches of the city in order to enjoy the music by the brilliant German composer. Remember that all performances are scheduled at 6pm and that the entrance is free until full capacity is reached. Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 April. Parroquia de San Pedro Ad Vincula. Calle Sierra Gorda, 5 Estil Concertant. Conductor: Marisa Esparza Choir: La Capilla Real de Madrid. Conductor: Óscar Gershensohn Cantatas BWV 67, 103 and 115

I hope you like this events. Thak-you very much for read me!!

H.E.

Next Week Events April 7th to 13th

Dear online guests!

It's a pleasure for me inform you about some events for next week in Madrid. Take note!!

If you need additional information, you can visit Esmadrid

Tamerlano
One of Georg Friedrich Händel's most beautiful operas premiers in Spain directed by one of the greatest specialists in ancient Baroque music, Briton Paul McCreesh. At a time when Händel was subject to fierce competition from other composers, he often resorted to heroes of classical Antiquity or the Orient, which could add historical or legendary interest. On this occasion, it is Timurlenk "the weak", the successor of Gengis Khan, who threatened European civilisation for a time and reached the capital of the Turkish emir Bajazet around 1400, taking him prisoner and courting his daughter Asteria. The cast is led by Madrilenian tenor Plácido Domingo, working with this repertoire for the first time.

Madrid International Real Estate Exhibition (SIMA 2008)
A great event -the largest real estate exhibition in the world- to meet the market's leading companies and professionals: real estate developers, real estate consultants and brokers, investors, public administrations, financial institutions... SIMA brings together over five hundred exhibitors, and includes different thematic pavilions in one large exhibition area: SIMATUR, the International Tourism Real Estate Fair; INTERNATIONAL Pavilion, an entrance to investment markets worldwide; SIMACITIES, promotion, management and planning of cities; and SIMAFUTURA, technology, design and equipment for sustainable construction.

King Lear
All things human are enclosed in the microcosm Shakespeare constructed in his most masterly play, now presented by Juan Mayorga and directed by Gerardo Vera. On stage, Pedro Casablanc, Cristina Marcos and Carme Elías. At Teatro Valle-Inclán until April 20th

The Diary of Anne Frank. Celebrating life

Teatro Häagen-Dazs Calderón presents in Madrid the first musical play inspired by the life of Anne Frank, the girl who accounted the horrors of the Nazi holocaust in her diary. The show features music by José Luis Tierno and script by Jaime Azpilicueta, and is supported by the Anne Frank Foundation. This is an optimistic play, showing the girl's kindest and most endearing side, and its goal is to transmit the happiness, energy and passion for life with which Anne Frank experienced one of the darkest periods in the history of humanity.

Thank-you very much for read me!!

See you soon!!

E.H. ;-)

Enjoy Springtime in Madrid

Next Week Calendar (March 17th- 23rd)

Dear Friends,

I inform you of the principal activities for next week in Madrid. Please, take note and, if you like more info, please, visit Esmadrid.

Bodies... The Exhibition The Exhibition' is a display of actual cadavers, preserved using an innovative conservation system of polymers. It provides the visitor with the opportunity to learn about themselves from within. These are Chinese people who died of natural causes and whose remains were donated to the Faculty of Medicine at Dalian (China), to which they will return for later cremation. These corpses have passed through the hands of the best Chinese anatomists, who have prepared them using chemicals in order to dissect them. Composed of 17 corpses and 200 organs, distributed and sliced-up, in nine galleries,'Bodies. The Exhibition' hopes to act as an educational travesty, in order to encourage visitors to become more aware of their bodies to respect them. At least this was the intention of the doctor who came up with the idea, Roy Glover, professor emeritus of Anatomy and Cellular Biology at the University of Michigan. The exhibit, which is not without its polemics, opened in Lisbon in 2004, has been shown in cities such as New York, London and Washington, and is now being shown in Madrid. 'Bodies' offers the visitor information on the effects which certain risky practices have on the organism; among the more shocking is a lung, blackened by tobacco.


The National Dance Company presents a triple programme composed of three choreographies which are the work of Nacho Duato and William Forsythe. "Hevel," with music by Pedro Alcalde and Sergio Caballero, is presented in this Madrid debut. "Quintet," by William Forsythe, is built on music by Gavin Bryars, and "White Darkness," also by Nacho Duato, on compositions by Karl Jenkins.
The company directed by famous Spanish dancer Nacho Duato presents Hevel, a treaty on the ephemeral nature of human condition. Furthermore, it offers the premiere in Spain of Quintet, by William Forsythe. At Teatro de la Zarzuela from March 21st to 29th.

Jesus Christ Superstar, the most famous rock opera in the world, and with the greatest number of performances ever, is back on show in Madrid thirty years after its first release, with a new version set in present times. Judas' betrayal, the last supper, the love of Mary Magdalene toward Jesus and the crucifixion are the key moments in the musical. Jesus Christ Superstar was first performed in the seventies in London and on Broadway.
The revolutionary venture of mixing the Bible (more specifically Christ's final days) with rock music caused a great impact at the time, not just because of its risky and transgressive nature, but also due to the beauty of its musical score. With this new production, new generations of spectators and artists will have the opportunity to enjoy this classic in musical theatre.

EASTER 2008
These are the calendar for this Easter Week:

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19
Solemne Vía Crucis
Nuestro Padre Jesús de la Salud

THURSDAY, MARCH 20
Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno "El Pobre" y María Santísima del Dulce Nombre
El Divino Cautivo
Nuestro Padre Jesús del Gran Poder y María Santísima de la Esperanza
Jesús Nazareno y Virgen de la Soledad
Vía Crucis

FRIDAY MARCH 21

Jesús Nazareno de Medinaceli
Santísimo Cristo de los Alabarderos
Procesión del Silencio
El Divino Cautivo
María Santísima de los Siete Dolores
Santo Entierro
Parroquia de San Andrés, de Villaverde Alto
Procesión del Silencio

SATURDAY MARCH 22
Virgen Dolorosa
Procesión de la Soledad

Additional info in Oficial Web Easter in Madrid 2008

If you like send me a commentaire, please, do it, it would be a pleasure for me help you!!

Thank-you for read me and have a good time!!

H.E. ;-)

Things to do in Madrid, Week March 10th to 16th

Hi friends and virtual guests!!

I'm going to post some of the most important events in Madrid for next week... Madrid is an alive city with many options for leisure. If you like additional information, click here: http://www.esmadrid.com

FAIRS

Madrid Boat Show From March 8th to 12th Sport boating lovers and professionals have an appointment at IFEMA. The Juan Carlos I Exhibition Centre is welcoming a new edition of the Madrid Boat Show. The event collects every possible option on sail and motor boats, inflatable and semi-rigid boats, jet skies, canoes and kayaks, motors, naval ornamental objects, trailers and water sporting goods. Among the attendees there will be suppliers, specialty stores and manufacturing and distributing firms of the industry, in addition to nautical schools, and federations and official agencies in the industry.

EXHIBITIONS

Modigliani and His Times. Amedeo Modigliani was one of the major figures of 20th century art. Although he embraced the main trends of the French avant-garde, he also managed to remain outside all of them. This show aims to analyse his artistic career from the year he arrived in Paris, 1906, until his death in 1920 -when he was only 35-, conversing both with the masters who influenced his work -Cézanne, Picasso, Brancusi-, and with his friends from the Montparnasse colony: Marc Chagall and Jules Pascin, among others. From February 5th to May 20th at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and Caja Madrid Foundation.

Picasso. The collection from the National Picasso Museum in Paris. A veritable historical event. Exceptionally, the Reina Sofía Museum will accommodate a large part of the collection from the Parisian Musée National Picasso, which is undergoing remodelling works. The content of the show, on display from February 6th to May 5th, is structured around over 400 works, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, drawings and documentary material.

MUSIC

Klubbers' Day Firm alliances with European clubs and record labels define the third edition of Klubbers' Day in a major event with the clubber community which will take place in Madrid, March 14th and 15th, at the Telefónica Arena Madrid. This festival, which started as a melting pot of all styles of electronic music, crosses over and incorporates hip-hop this year as a cultural trend and stage sensation.

SPECIAL EASTER WEEK

Easter is one of the most deeply rooted traditions in Spain.... and in Madrid. The rhythm of the city changes between Passion Wednesday and Easter Sunday to commemorate the passion of Christ. Every year, both religious people and curious onlookers come to the city centre, where most of the processions take place.

PALM SUNDAY 16 MARCH 7.30 P.M.Cristo de la Fe y del Perdon. San Miguel Church. C/ San Justo 4. Metro stop: Sol / Opera

This was my little selection. I wish you enjoy a lot... Please, if you like additional information or you will visitting Madrid in the next months, write a comment and I get info for your stay!!

Thank-you for read me and have a nice week!!

H.E. ;-)

Welcome to the Hotel Emperador

Hi! I'm Emperador Hotel

Today is my first day in this space
and I wish many visits from

around the world!
Please, ask me your questions

and comments. It would be

a pleasure for me reply and

help you to prepare your

trip to Madrid, Spain.