Today, Madrid remains Spain's financial and political core, home to the Cortes (Parliament), Senate and Royal Family, as well as the extraordinary cultural riches of the Golden Triangle - the Prado, Reina Sofía and Thyssen-Bornemisza art museums.

With a population of just over three million, Madrid is Europe's third largest city (after London and Berlin) and its highest capital, at 650m (2,132ft) above sea level.

Spaniards are determined to vivir a tope (live life to the full). The craving for conspicuous enjoyment, not to mention the 2,800 hours of annual sunshine, turn the streets into bustling centres of public display.

Madrid's infectious and colourful fiestas punctuate the year, with each barrio (district) trying to outdo the other in its celebrations. The highlights include Reyes Magos (Feast of the Three Kings), Carnival, the religious processions of Holy Week, the San Isidro Festival in May (the beginning of the bullfighting season) and Nochevieja (New Year's Eve)

Each barrio has its own distinctive atmosphere - Lavapiés, Malasaña and Chueca being the oldest and most interesting.

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