Moncloa
The wealthy suburb of Moncloa contains the Spanish prime
ministerial home and is worth a visit even if you are not using the
bus terminal for El Pardo and El Escorial. The metro will bring you
out opposite the imposing Ministry of Defence building and the
impressive Arco de la Victoria, marking Napoleon's exit from the
capital. Beyond this lies the leafy expanses of the Parque del
Oeste and the campuses of the Ciudad Universitaria . During
term time, the end of each day sees the area become one big student
party, with huddles of picnickers and singing groups under the
trees. Take the Plaza de Moncloa metro exit and the path on your
right through the trees will lead you to the Mirador del
Faro (Tues-Sun: June-Aug 11am-1.45pm & 5.30-8.45pm;
Sept-May 10.30am-2pm & 5.30-8pm; €1.25), a futuristic
92-metre-high tower with stunning views over the city and to the
mountains beyond. Just past this, with its main entrance on Avda.
Reyes Católicos 6, the Museo de América (Tues-Sat 10am-3pm,
Sun 10am-2.30pm; €3, free on Sat after 2pm and Sun) contains a fine
collection of artefacts, ceramics and silverware from Spain's
former colonies in Latin America. The highlight is the fabulous
Quimbayas treasure - a breathtaking collection of gold objects and
figures from the Quimbaya culture of Colombia.
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