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UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Madrid

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Though Madrid’s center is packed with worthy sights – from the Royal Palace to Plaza Mayor and Retiro Park — some of the region’s most recognized attractions are situated just beyond city borders and in the larger community of Madrid. Recognized by whom, you may ask? By UNESCO, the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization, which carefully selects sites around the world that hold great cultural significance. There are three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Madrid,  and a handful more just beyond its regional borders. So if you’re keen to take a day trip, you’ll most definitely want to consider the following destinations.

El Escorial

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San Lorenzo de El Escorial is located within the Community of Madrid.

Head for the hills to discover one of Madrid’s most regal and astonishing sights, San Lorenzo de El Escorial. Built in the 16th century under the orders of Felipe II, it serves many roles, from monastery to royal palace, museum, school, library and church. It also is home to the royal mausoleum, where many of Spain’s former kings and queens are buried, and where visitors can view the gilt and marble tombs. Apart from exploring El Escorial’s interior, be sure to take a wander in the manicured gardens that sit in its shadow, and, of course, around the old town, where those with an appetite should consider lunching on traditional cocido stew.

Alcala de Henares

Cervantes Sqaure in Alcalá de Henares.

Cervantes Square in Alcala de Henares.

If you’re looking for a destination that is a little bit closer to the capital, then consider Alcala de Henares, Madrid’s most nearby UNESCO site. Situated northeast of the big city, the 200,000-person town has a rich history, having been occupied by the Romans, Visigoths, Moors and Christians, and is especially famous for being the birthplace of Cervantes. These days, a visit to the city promises the opportunity to stroll its old streets, complete with Jewish, Moorish and Christian quarters, and sights such as the cathedral (which dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries), as well as the university, one of the oldest in the world. Get to this corner of the community of Madrid easily on an Aranjuez Royal Palace and El Escorial Day Trip, allowing you to hit two UNESCO sites during one excursion.

Aranjuez

Aranjuez

The grand Palace of Aranjuez.

Located along the southern border of the community of Madrid, and just a stone’s throw from Castilla de La Mancha, is Aranjuez, a town and its UNESCO Heritage Site, the Palace of Aranjuez. And it’s a palace indeed, as it is still considered a residence to the King of Spain. The attractive exterior features red and white stonework, meanwhile the interior is nothing short of royal, featuring all the fanciness you might expect, including red velvet thrones, chandelier-lit rooms, and mural-covered ceilings. Not to be forgotten are the massive gardens, which sprawl out along the banks of the Tajo River, and in which you can find other sights, such as the mini-palace Casa del Labrador, and the royal boat museum, the Museo de Faluas Reales.

UNESCO Day Trips from Madrid

Though not technically within the Community of Madrid’s boundaries, three more UNESCO highlights sit within easy driving distance. Head to Segovia to see what is perhaps considered Spain’s most famous castle, or to Avila to walk upon some of the most picturesque city walls around (or just visit both on an Avila and Segovia Day Trip from Madrid). Meanwhile, if you head south, you can explore Spain’s former capital, Toledo, along with its labyrinth of streets on a Toledo and Aranjuez Day Trip.

Explore other options for day trips from Madrid.

   —Contributed by Erin Ridley

The post UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Madrid appeared first on Madrid Things To Do.


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