Most important cultural monuments of the Comunidad de Madrid

The Comunidad de Madrid brings together some of the most important historical and cultural monuments in Spain. Beyond the capital, the territory of Madrid preserves royal monasteries, palaces, historic cities and cultural spaces linked to centuries of history.

From Madrid de los Austrias to monumental cities such as Alcalá de Henares or Aranjuez, the region offers a great variety of cultural visits for those who wish to discover heritage, art and architecture in the centre of Spain.

El Palacio Real de Madrid

El Palacio Real is one of the most emblematic monuments of Madrid and the largest royal residence in Western Europe by surface area.

Built on the former Alcázar de Madrid, the building stands out for its Baroque architecture and for the artistic and decorative collections inside.

What to see in El Palacio Real

• Salón del Trono
• Main staircase
• Armería Real
• Jardines de Sabatini

Its location next to Plaza de Oriente and Catedral de la Almudena makes it one of the great tourist symbols of the capital.

El Monasterio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial

El Monasterio de El Escorial is one of the most important monumental ensembles of the Spanish Renaissance and one of the great historical landmarks of the Comunidad de Madrid.

Commissioned by Felipe II, it combines the functions of monastery, palace, basilica, library and royal pantheon.

What stands out in El Escorial

• Basilica of the monastery
• Historic library
• Panteón de Reyes
• Courtyards and gardens

The natural surroundings of the Sierra de Guadarrama add great landscape appeal to the visit.

La Plaza Mayor de Madrid

La Plaza Mayor is one of the most representative historic spaces in the centre of Madrid. Built during the period of the Austrias, it has been the setting for markets, celebrations and historic events.

Its arcades and historic buildings form an essential part of the most traditional Madrid.

La Universidad and the historic quarter of Alcalá de Henares

Alcalá de Henares stands out for its historic university and for being the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes.

Its old town preserves an important university and religious heritage recognised internationally.

Essential places in Alcalá

• Universidad de Alcalá
• Casa Natal de Cervantes
• Calle Mayor
• Catedral Magistral

El Palacio Real de Aranjuez

Aranjuez is home to one of the most important palaces linked to the Spanish monarchy. Located next to the Tagus river, it stands out for its historic gardens and the cultural landscape that surrounds the city.

What to visit in Aranjuez

• Palacio Real
• Jardín del Príncipe
• Jardín de la Isla
• Historic centre

Aranjuez is one of the most popular cultural destinations for excursions from Madrid.

La Puerta de Alcalá

La Puerta de Alcalá is one of the most recognisable monuments of Madrid and one of the great urban symbols of the city.

Located next to Retiro park, it represents one of the former royal gates of access to the capital.

El Museo del Prado

El Museo del Prado is one of the most important art galleries in the world and one of the great cultural landmarks of Spain.

Its collections include masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, Rubens and other great European artists.

Outstanding works of the Prado

• Las Meninas
• El Jardín de las Delicias
• Los Fusilamientos del 3 de mayo
• Las pinturas negras de Goya

The Comunidad de Madrid and its monumental wealth

The cultural monuments of the Comunidad de Madrid show the enormous historical and artistic importance of this region. From royal palaces to monasteries, museums and university cities, the territory of Madrid brings together some of the most important cultural spaces in Spain.

Madrid, Alcalá de Henares, Aranjuez and San Lorenzo de El Escorial form an ideal route for those who wish to discover heritage, art and history in the heart of the Iberian Peninsula.