Goya, El Greco, Velásquez, to name but a few of the great Spanish painters whose many works are celebrated at one of the world's greatest art galleries, El Museo del Prado. The museum is Madrid's premier tourist attraction because it has a higher concentration of masterpieces than any other museum in the world.

The museum consists of about 9,000 paintings, 5,000 drawings, 2,000 prints, 1,000 coins and medals, and approximately 2,000 decorative objects. With such a wealth of art, it is only possible to display about 1, 500 works at any one time. It is sometimes worth checking the weekly 'Guia de Ocio' magazine to check whether any special exhibitions are on display during your visit.

The museum was built by Charles III of Spain, who reigned from 1759-88. He believed that Madrid should boast the same amenities as Europe's other fine capitals. So, he went about building wonderful museums and other attractions, attempting to make this Castilian town equal to cities like Rome, Paris, and London. The Prado Museum was one of those attractions.

Charles III knew exactly what he wanted for his museum. The building would be expansive with a grand rotunda, a central gallery full of natural light, and a cube-shaped space on either end. Designed in the neo-Classical style, the building would be the envy of many. Centrally-located, the museum has plenty of Madrid accommodation available round about.

The Reina Sofía art centre was extended in 2005 with the area devoted to the permanent collection being extended by more than 50%, making the Reina Sofia one of the largest contemporary art museums in the world today.

The most important piece in the museum is Picasso's Guernica, the painter's graphic potrayal of the massacre of an entire village by the Germans during the Spanish Civil War. Along with some excellent Dali pieces, it is some of the greatest 20th century art you are ever likely to see. After its acquisition in 1992, 'Guernica' has become the most visited individual work of art not only in Madrid, but in all of Spain.

Along with Prado and Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, the museum forms one part of Madrid's 'Golden Triangle'. It's located in a restored hospital beside the Atocha roundabout only 10 minutes from Prado, with many apartments in Madrid nearby.

Across from the Prado museum is the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. This museum is often considered to be the best of the big 3 (Prado, Reina Sofía and Thyssen-Bornemisza) in Madrid.

Visitors are taken through the private collection in chronological order so it is as if they are walking through the history of European painting starting from the 13th century all the way up to modern times. There are outstanding works of Impressionism, Expressionism and Cubism plus works from the Italian and German Renaissance.

The museum is a must for art lovers. Lack of queues and helpful staff help to really enjoy this great experience.

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