Information Sought on Madrid and/or Rome

[ktmrider]

My family is trying to decide on a destination for a foreign vacation over Xmas and New Years. We are talking Europe and thinking about Madrid or Rome so as to avoid really cold weather.

My wife and daughter spent a month in Italy about 4 years ago but I have never been there and no one in my family has been to Spain. I will probably spend more time as they work and I am retired. If Spain, I may add Portugal to my itinerary.

Ideas and suggestions for must see and photography are welcome and sought. Thanks.

 

[Bill W]

Rome has an unparalleled collection of architectural masterpieces--not so much from classical antiquity (though there's plenty of that) as from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. St. Peter's and the Pantheon are of course well known, but there are so many other churches, palaces and fountains. Bramante, Michelangelo, Raphael, many others, and above all Bernini and Borromini. In the 17th century, in particular, the popes went on a building spree, dismantling the travertine marble of the Colosseum to build churches and palaces. If you decide on Rome--and architecture interests you--you should definitely prepare for the trip by reading up on the subject. The best thing about it is that all these magnificent edifices are embedded in an active, modern city with a very lively street scene. There's also sculpture, both from antiquity and from the early modern period, and painting. There are also many photogenic spots outside of Rome--Tivoli (Hadrian's villa), fascinating Etruscan ruins at Tarquinii and Cerveteri, and Ostia, the ruins of the ancient port of Rome.

 

[dubtom]

I would second Rome,I haven't been to Madrid so can't comment. I spent my honeymoon in Rome,walked every day, saw the sites but think I managed in total about 1% of the place. It's busy,chaotic,charming, so so easy to get lost, a photographers dream really,so much to see. I'd love to go back just to spend a week or so taking pictures,the Wife could come too.

 

[Drtenma]

I live in Madrid (was born here as well) and visited Rome a couple of times. Truth be told, I can't compare the two cities. Madrid is a nice city, with interesting places to visit, but Rome is a universe in itself.

You say you could travel outside Madrid and even go to Portugal. That's a different story. Spain is a fascinating country, and also Portugal. I could think of dozens of different places worth visiting in Spain, but I suggest you check the World Heritage website and the contribution of Spain to the UNESCO's list http://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/es

By the way, average temperature in Madrid during Christmas is between 5 and 10º C. You decide if that's too cold or not.

Hope it helps.

 

[Vics]

Rick Steves has a DVD about Christmas in Europe that covers several countries.
http://www.ricksteves.com/tvr/pledge/xmas/xmas_menu.htm
Bon Voyage!

 

[LeicaFan]

Madrid is a large city that is very spread out (similar to Los Angeles). I found it to be very unwalkable and the public transportation was tricky.

Barcelona, on the other hand, is a fantastic city to visit if you've never been.

 

[CK Dexter Haven]

I haven't been to Spain. I can't imagine it can be more spectacular than Italy, though. About 15 years ago, i spent two weeks in Italy, renting a Fiat Punto and beginning in Rome, driving to Florence, then to visit my sister who was living in Vicenza. From there, we took a day trip to Venice.

If i were in charge of your itinerary, i'd say Rome. But, then take 3 days and get up to Florence. Rome, i felt, was more beautiful, but Florence seemed more fun/dynamic/interesting in some way i can't now characterize.

As for photographic opportunities, they abound. I shot more film in Italy than i had ever shot before. You're shooting, then you turn around, and BAM, there's more. There's always something more - something else. At every step and every turn.

As for Florence, i would absolutely say the most memorable piece of my time in Italy was spent at the Pitti palace. If you have any interest in renaissance-era painting, you MUST visit the Pitti Palace. Floor-to-ceiling with masterpieces one on top of the other. The stuff you saw and read about in Art History 101 textbooks. Breathtaking. As much as i love photography, whenever i see 'real painting' like that IN PERSON, i'm awestruck and humbled. Caravaggio and Bronzino and Rembrandt... they humble ANY and ALL photography.

 

[finguanzo]

Madrid is a large city that is very spread out (similar to Los Angeles). I found it to be very unwalkable and the public transportation was tricky.

Barcelona, on the other hand, is a fantastic city to visit if you've never been.

Agreed, if you are going to do a spanish city, Barcelona trumps Madrid.... now vs. Rome......??? I dont know, I still consider Barcelona my favorite city..