Discovering the Hidden Madrid

Madrid deserves respect. As the capital city of a rapidly emerging player within the European community and also the capital city of a country whose language is arguably the third most spoken tongue in the world, this city deserves respect.

The crazy thing about Madrid is that quite often it is viewed as being second to Barcelona in terms of appeal. Now I know Barcelona has the Cathedral, the Nou Camp Stadium and was the venue for the most recent Olympic Games to be held in Spain but to write Madrid off as Spain’s second city seems to miss the point completely.

Sure the Catalans may espouse Barcelona for its elegance and creativity but just because parts of Madrid might need the odd lick of paint here doesn’t mean that Madrid is any the less important or influential.

Madrid like many international cities and probably more than most reflects in sections its historical past. Now we have to remember here that this was a major European city that for 400 years lay under the rule of North African influence, namely that of the Moors. This is reflected in the area of La Latina.

La Latina is an area of Madrid quite often overlooked by the majority of tourists and visitors but it is home to the Plaza la Paja which was Madrid’s main square during medieval times.

When the influence of the Moors declined in Spain, this area of Madrid became know as a moreria which actually means an enclosed ghetto where the Muslims live. Memories of a former age can still be found when you consider some off the place names such as Plaza de la Puerta de Moros and/or the historic architecture. Nowadays as in most cases things have changed and this part of Madrid becomes a party centre for the madrilenos, the people of Madrid later on in the day, every day.

Perhaps some of the charm and appeal to Madrid lies with this apparent “down at heel” and slightly grubby appearance. It is the sort of thing that you can imagine mentioning to a madrilenos and all you will get in reply is a shrug, a sigh and a suggestion that there are more important things in life.

Who is to say they are wrong?

Elsewhere in Madrid you will find Malasana, a quaint cobble stones area stretching north from the city centre. Wonderfully described as possibly being like “the boyfriend or girlfriend you couldn’t bring home to your mother” all human life in Madrid can be found here. With graffiti, posters and street art on virtually every conceivable surface Malasana has an anarchic feel and atmosphere that tells you “this is the place to be at the right time of day”.

Madrid has an old-fashioned appeal to it that goes beyond the chaotic and anarchic initial impressions. Peel back the flaking paint and go beyond the many tourists spots and you will find a city that you will fall in love with for many a year.

Madrid is not to be missed

Scott writes about a number of travel based issues and further information about points raised above can be found at: Spanish Property, Hiking Boots and Restaurants

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