Day 12: Egyptian View

One of my favourite places to visit with company, and also to go on my own, is Madrid´s Parque del Oueste. Not only is it a lovely, shady park - especially important in the summer - but there´s lots going on, and a lovely mirador, or lookout, with unobstructed views of the Plaza de España, the Palace grounds, the river, and the Casa de Campo.

looking back toward the plaza de españa

The park is rolling, and on the highest hilltop sits the Templo de Debod. After you visit the temple (free, and really quite interesting), walk toward the fountain and you´ll come to the lookout. If you´re only in Madrid for a short time, take a few moments to stop by on your way to or from the Palace or Plaza de España. If you have a while, the park is full of little surprises - a rollling stream, a rose garden, statues scattered here and there, and of course the requisite cafés, just in time for your late morning coffee.