architecture, exploring vibrant markets and discovering quaint cafes. Visitors are also likely to pass through the 2WGTVC|FGN 5QN, or Gate of the Sun, which serves as a crossroads between some of the city’s most historic streets. This public square is a landmark in its own Ài}hÌ >n` ià homi Ìo Ìhi ÃÌ>ÌÕi ov Ìhi ViÌ޽à ovwVi>l symbol – a bear nuzzling a strawberry tree.


WHAT TO SEE


The neoclassical 4Q[CN %JCRGN QH 5V #PVJQP[ QH .C|(NQTKFC may appear unassuming from the outside, but the interior is truly a sight to behold. The small Vh>«il ià VÀoÜni` LÞ > m>}niwVinÌ `omi` Viilin} with a mural painted by revered Spanish artist Francisco Goya. The frescoes depict the miracles of St Anthony in a scene that stretches across the ceiling to the walls that fringe the chapel and also surround the artist’s remains buried in front of the altar. Other architectural highlights of the city include


the #NOWFGPC %CVJGFTCN and the opulent 4Q[CN 2CNCEG QH /CFTKF.


WHERE TO DINE


Mandarin Oriental Ritz’s Deessa is an unmissable culinary experience. The two-Michelin-starred restaurant centres its offering around Valencian cuisine and spectacular seafood, which is complemented by the palatial environs of the Alfonso XIII dining room.


As well as Deessa, Madrid is home to a number of Michelin-starred eateries, such as #o$CTTC, which serves sophisticated contemporary cuisine, and Japanese spot 6QMK, which seats just six diners. Other foodie favourites that shouldn’t be missed include Asian-Spanish fusion venue &KXGT:1, and $QVÉP, a specialist in classic Spanish dishes and one of the oldest restaurants in the world.


The Royal Chapel of St Anthony of La Florida


38 ASPIRE JUNE 2025


aspiretravelclub.co.uk


Madrid


CREDIT: Shutterstock/VIivvi Smak


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100  |  Page 101  |  Page 102  |  Page 103  |  Page 104  |  Page 105