Madrid
Madrid, the Spanish capital, is the largest city on the Iberian Peninsula and one of the liveliest metropoles in Europe. It has acquired the status of a separate autonomous community and is the undeniable leader in all aspects of life in Spain, from economics and transport to culture and tourism. The city and its surroundings lie in the very heart of the Meseta Central, the vast high plateau in the central part of Spain. Madrid is encircled by mountain ranges from all sides, which determines its raw climate with hot dry summers and (sometimes) snowy winters. All government institutions, led by the Royal Palace, are located in Madrid, alongside with an endless row of world-class museums, hundreds of art galleries, Medieval monasteries and cathedrals and many other tourist attractions. At the same time, Madrid is a modern and bustling metropolis with seats of diverse corporations and financial institutions. Sports are also widely covered here, with football being a way of life for most locals. Surprisingly for its dimensions, the capital of Spain is full of exuberant greenery and countless parks and gardens, where both guests and Madrilenos can relax far from the hustle and bustle of the huge city.