La Dama del Manzanares Madrid – Art With a View
Public space is something Madrid does exceptionally well. Often, beautiful parks and fascinating art and architecture go hand-in-hand, sometimes with an incredible sunset thrown in, just for fun. A short metro ride south to the neighbourhood of Usera is the lovely Parque Lineal del Manzanares, a peaceful and equally pleasant alternative to the overcrowded Retiro or Parque del Oeste. It is also the home of one of my favourite sculptures in the city, La Dama del Manzanares.
This 8 tonne, 13 metre high bronze and steel sculpture, created by Valencian artist Manolo Valdés in 2003, sits atop a pyramid-shaped artificial hill providing one of the best viewpoints in Madrid. Although La Dama del Manzanares has no face, I still find her beautiful. Her wild hair kind of reminds me of Caravaggio’s Medusa, although she’s far less intimidating. She faces north, towards the urban centre of Madrid and keeps watch over the city and the Manzanares River, to which she is dedicated.
Sunset is the perfect time to come and visit La Dama del Manzanares. Not only will you get a natural light show in the sky, but she will come alive as well. In 2005, projectors were installed and her lights change colour with the season. Although La Dama del Manzanares is located at the top of a hill, it’s an easy walk to get up close to her. Take a seat and keep her company while she guards the city and enjoy the amazing, unobstructed views of Madrid, day or night.
There’s so much more to discover
Discover more in Madrid
Taberna & Media – Classic dishes with a new twist
"Taberna & Media" is a restaurant in Madrid's gastronomic mile. Its torreznos are some of the most famous around, and the patatas bravas? Something else.
By
Cesar
Gonzalez
Rocablanca – Croquettes paradise of Madrid
"Rocablanca" in Madrid's Malasaña is a restaurant that make amazing croquettes, and believe me, a croquette that tastes right is not easy to find...
By
Cesar
Gonzalez
Stobax – Let there be lights
Find unique lamps and gifts at Miguel's shop in Madrid. Custom designs with quality materials. Explore nearby vintage shops and cafes.
By
Andrea
Roberts
Bodegas El Maño – Savour the soul of Spain
The creamy interior of the croquetas, combined with a crispy shell, offer a taste of home-cooked perfection that could only be found in the heart of Spain.
By
Álvaro
Martínez Ponce
El jardin secreto – A luggage store with a secret
"El jardin secreto" in Madrid is a secret terrace garden located in... a bag and suitcase shop! Everything's vintage & of very good taste in this cafe/bar.
By
Elena
Quintero
La Antojá – For wine lovers and lovers!
La Antojá has an amazing wine list, which the very knowledgeable owner will expertly guide you through. There is a wine for all palates and all pockets.
By
Andrea
Roberts
Accidente Aereo – A fallen angel
"Accidente Aereo" is a bronze statue that's proof that when you're in Madrid you should never look down or you could miss great art pieces like this one...
By
Elena
Quintero
La Merendona – Cakes homemade in Madrid
"La Merendona" is a small, welcoming Colombian-owned cafe/bakery with the most tempting window display & where the fresh homemade cakes are the stars!
By
Andrea
Roberts
Alex Cordobés – Where cheesecake dreams come true
Alex Cordobés in Madrid is heaven for cheesecake lovers. The creamy, smooth cheesecake with a buttery biscuit base is a must-try. The classic version costs €32 and serves 6-8.
By
Álvaro
Martínez Ponce
Download our app now and know your way!
Our Spotters' Local Favorites Only. Skip the Tourist Traps.
Find Nearby Spots and Navigate with Ease
Save Your Favorites and See Them on the Map
Know your way in Art & culture and navigate with ease!
✓ Full access to 0 local favorites. Zero tourist highlights.
✓ Get to know our 0 Spotters and ♥ their recommendations.
✓ Save favorites and show them on the map.
