Palacio de Liria This is the residence of the duke and duchess of Alba. The duchess is an old school friend and relative of Queen Elizabeth II of England and is probably the most titled person in the world, with some 180 honors. The excellent art collection there features works by Goya, Rembrandt and Titian.

Plaza de Cibeles In the middle of the plaza is an enchanting fountain dedicated to the goddess Cybele. The imposing structure with the golden sphere on its roof houses the main offices of Banco de Espana. The wedding-cake building on the opposite side of the plaza is the Palacio de Comunicaciones, Madrid's main post and telegraph office. Nearby, at Paseo de Recoletos 2, is the Casa de las Americas. Built by a Spaniard who made his way back from the New World, it was the site of ceremonies in 1992 commemorating the 500th anniversary of Columbus' "discovery" of America. It's now used as a cultural center promoting the arts of Latin America. Intersection of Calle de Alcala, Paseo del Prado and Paseo de los Recoletos (near Retiro Park).

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