Madrid Nights - Christmas Lights II

Though all of the centre of the city was ablaze with lights two areas were particularly beautiful - to my eye at least.

After a duck out of the rain into the marvelous art nouveau El Pabellón de el Espejo and a much needed aperitvo we head out along the side streets off Paseo de Recoletos which led us to the edges of the Chueca area. We followed a broad ribbon of lavender lights that led us into Plaza de Chueca.

Those rainbow colours - and the artistic arrangement - should have told us we were heading straight - you should excuse the expression - for the Plazza del Chueca.

The most elegant light display was the forest of winter trees on the stretch of Calle Alcala from the Plaza de la cibeles to the Puerta Alcala. The tree patterns changed depending on where you were standing and the depth of the vista. It was a truly magical creation of light and dimension.

06 gennaio - Epifania

Madrid Nights - Christmas Lights - I

At the best of times I'm sure that the centre of Madrid at night is a fascinating sight but over the Christmas season the imaginative use of lights gives it an added magic. And its not just the main avenues and well known boulevards; back ways and side streets are strung with lights to celebrate the holidays.
Plaza de la red de San Luis had this modern skyscraper of lights as its centre piece and Gran Via was strung with matching festoons. It gave the appearance of a modern city receding into the night.
Whereas Passo del Prado was all multi coloured wreaths suspended in the darkness. And the pedestrian boulevard that runs down the centre dotted with trees of lights.
And a small side street was a bit more traditional with candles and holly.

Plaza de La Cibeles was very modern with abstract patterns surrounding the fountain and a forest of suspended light icicles heading down Paseo de Recoletos.

Around our hotel at Plaza de San Martin, on the Arenal and Alcala Christmas balls and abstract clouds led down to the gigantic tree at Puerta del Sol.

05 gennaio - San Giovanni Nepomuceno