In devoting a volume to an historical and descriptive account of Madrid, I am not only fulfilling a duty which could not be neglected in any serious attempt to make this Spanish Series useful and comprehensive, but I am also inspired with a hope of being able to dissipate many of the erroneous and defamatory impressions that are current with regard to the Spanish capital. I have approached the task from the standpoint of a resident writing for visitors to the city, and if my notes are biassed in favour of my subject, I can only say that I have a sincere liking and admiration for the city, and I have spoken of its people as I have found them. The Spanish metropolis is modern; it is imbued with the principles of modern progress; and while one never ceases to rejoice in the unfaltering, unchanging adherence to an immemorial past, characteristic of Toledo, one may feel an interest, equally keen and appreciative, in the spirit of new Spain which is to be found in Madrid.
Not the least pleasant part of an author’s privilege in penning a preface is the opportunity it affords him of acknowledging the assistance and courtesy he has received in the accomplishment of his task. To Mr W. Gallichan my thanks are due for assistance received in the compilation, and I am also grateful to Señor Don J. Lacoste and Messrs Hauser y Menet for their kindness in permitting me to reproduce many of the illustrations that adorn this little book.
The Fountain of Cybele and Calle de Alcalá 7
The Northern Railway Station and Royal Palace 8
The Cortes. Two bronze lions in front of the Palace 53
Reception Room at the Chamber of Deputies. Decorated by Don A. Mélida 56
Reception Room at the Chamber of Deputies. Decorated by Don A. Mélida 57
Façade of the Hospital. Calle Fuencarral 58
Portal of the Hospital of the Conception or “La Latina” in the Calle de Toledo 60
Portal and Staircase of the Hospital de la Latina 62
The Treasury Office in the Calle de Alcalá 69
Southern façade of the Museum and the Statue of Murillo 74
National Library. Detail of the façade 87
National Library and Museum. East façade 88
The Equitable Buildings in the Calle de Alcalá 90
Statue of María Cristina and Museum of Reproductions 91
San Francisco el Grande. General view from the Choir 102