Educational path in Madrid
A proposal for a walking tour of the Spanish capital
Madrid is a sprawling city, full of monuments and intriguing sites. Visiting everything in one day is impossible. The proposed tour includes the most popular sites among tourists.
Temple Debod
It is dedicated to the worship of the Egyptian gods Amon and Isis. It is 2200 years old. It was located in the town of Debod on the Nile. In connection with the construction of the High Dam on the Nile in Aswan in 1960, UNESCO issued an appeal to the countries of the world asking for help in preserving the architectural monuments of ancient Egypt. In gratitude for the help, the Egyptian government donated the Temple of Debod to Spain. The temple has various halls, and the most important is the chapel decorated with reliefs, which is preserved in its original state. It is also the oldest part of the temple.
Didactic justification: Emphasizing the importance of international cooperation for the protection of UNESCO heritage sites.
Time: 15 minutes
Plaza de Espania
One of the most famous and representative squares in Madrid. It marks the end of the representative avenue of the city, Gran Vía. The square acquired its present appearance in the middle of the 20th century during the dictatorship of General Franco; the monumental buildings were to prove that Spain was part of the modern world.
Didactic justification: genesis of the reconstruction of the square, discussion of Franco's dictatorship in Spain
Time: 15 minutes
Royal Palace of Madrid
Today, the Royal Family no longer resides here. However, it is still the representative residence of the King, where important state ceremonies are held. It has 2800 rooms, some of which are open to tourists.
Didactic justification: The role of monarchy in the modern world, does modern society need a king?
Time: 30 minutes
Catedral de la Almudena
The Cathedral of la Almuneda is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin of Almuneda, whose original statue was supposed to have been brought to Madrid in the year 38 by St. Jacob or one of his disciples. The statue disappeared and the one that is there and can be seen dates back to the 16th century.
Didactic justification: History of the city's founding, noting early connections to Christianity
Time: 15 minutes
Plaza Mayor
The real heart of Madrid - the square. The square is a tourist attraction, all the buildings have been restored, their annexes house cafes and restaurants. Every Sunday the square hosts a collectors' market where you can get old Spanish stamps, coins, magazines, photos and postcards.
Didactical justification: Identify differences and similarities in market functionality now and in the past
Time: 20 minutes
Museum of Illusions
The Museum of Illusions in Madrid brings a space suitable both for social and entertaining tours into the world of illusions which has delighted all generations. It’s a perfect place for new experiences and fun with friends and family. Not only is it a place for children who adore coming, but also a place for parents, couples, grandmothers and grandfathers.
Didactic justification: Emphasizing the importance of interpreting what we see and the fact that what we see is not always true
Time: 60 minutes
Puerta del Sol
One of the most important squares in Madrid. It is located in the very center of the city. In the square there is a statue of Charles III and a 20-ton statue of a bear climbing a strawberry tree - the symbol of Madrid. It is also the "kilometer zero", the point from which distances are measured on roads leaving Madrid for other Spanish cities. The square is also the place where the annual Madrilenos Parade takes place and where the New Year's Eve party for the town's inhabitants is organized.
Didactic justification: Discuss the symbols of the city of Madrid (the bear and the strawberry) and their meaning
Time: 20 minutes
Cybele Fountain
It depicts the goddess of fertility and harvest, Kybele, in a chariot harnessed to two lions. According to mythology, these lions represent Hippomenes and Athalanta, punished by the goddess Aphrodite to pull the chariot forever.
Didactic justification: analysis of the influence of different cultures and religions on the city silhouette - influence of mythology
Time: 20 minutes
Puerta de Alcalá
Puerta de Alcalá was once the eastern gate of the city. It consists of five passages, three of them with a full arch and two with a flat arch. In the uppermost central part is a stone slab commemorating the year of construction and the king, crowned by a shield with a coat of arms depicting arms held by Fame and Genius.
Didactic justification: Description of the functioning of town gates in the Middle Ages
Time: 15 minutes
Park Retivo
Among the highlights of the park are the large pond with the statue of Alfonso XII, the Casa de Velázquez, the Crystal Palace, the rose garden and the Parterre, home to one of the oldest trees in Madrid, the Taxodium mucronatum. In 1935, the park was included in the list of Gardens of Historic and Artistic Interest.
Didactic justification: Consideration of the role of green areas rich in small architecture (statues, etc.) in the urban landscape
Time: 45 minutes
Muzeum Prado
One of the most important art museums in the world, located in Madrid. It is also one of the most visited museums in the world. The Museo del Prado opened to the public on 19 November 1819 as a Royal Museum of Painting and Sculpture.
Didactic justification: Emphasize the essence of running a museum, the need to preserve and record cultural objects for posterity
Time: 30 minutes