CITYTRIP MADRID;
SPANISH DELIGHT WITH ITALIAN FLAVORS!
Majestic palaces, colossal houses and imposing ministries; Madrid has immortalized its status
as the first intercontinental superpower in several architectural masterpieces.
But this splendor is not only of Spanish manufacture…. A little dive into history shows
that in this bombastic Madrid you can also enjoy a touch of elegant Italian flavors!
PALACIO REAL – IN THE SPIRIT OF BERNINI AND SABATINI
Although this palace has its origins in the 19th century, its current form is based on both Baroque and Victorian styles. After a devastating fire in 1734, the Italian architect Filippo Juvarra – inspired by Bernini’s work for the Louvre – started rebuilding the palace. One of his students, Giambattista Sacchetti, continued the job when Juvarra died unexpectedly in 1736. In 1760, the Sicilian architect Francesco Sabatini was added. He not only designed various side wings and the royal stables, but also the gardens. Later he was honored by attaching his name to the gardens; the now world famous Sabatini Gardens. Inside, we spotted a number of Italian frescoes of, amongst others, Giovanni Battista Tiepolo.
MUSEO DEL PRADO – ROMAN DETAILS AND VENETIAN MASTERPIECES
Giovanni Battista Tiepolo is a painter from Venice known for his lively, pastel color compositions. At the beginning of his career he mainly painted in dark brown tones, as he had learned from his master. Around the year 1740 this begins to change. He uses more and more bright, colorful shades in his paintings. In 1762 he entered the service of King Charles III of Spain as a court painter. During this period he produced The Immaculate Conception, which is exhibited in the Museo del Prado. His creations proved to be an enormous revelation and source of inspiration for some artists, such as Francisco Goya, the leading Spanish painter of the Romantic period.
BIARRO DE SALAMANCA – ITALIAN DESIGN
After Armani, Gucci, Boffi and others, the leading Italian brand Minotti also settled in Madrid; in the prestigious Barrio de Salamanca, also known as ‘the golden mile’. With its rich history, appealing ambiance and 19th century buildings, the Salamanca district is one of the most favorite destinations for the Madrilenians. Minotti’s concept store, just a stone-throw away from the El Retiro Park, occupies about 200 square meters; large enough to show the value of the objects presented.
Inspired? Go check out some more citytrips!
