MADRID

Immerse yourself in a fascinating slideshow tour of Madrid's most iconic neoclassical landmarks. With Karla as your guide, explore the timeless beauty of Spain’s capital through its grand buildings and monuments. Discover the stories and royal inspirations behind these architectural treasures that continue to define Madrid today.

Inspirational Talk by Fine Arts Historian Karla Darocas, B. A (Hons)  (KarlaDarocas.com)

King Carlos III came to the Spanish crown after spending much of his adult life in Naples, Italy, and was therefore heavily influenced by the Renaissance and the Enlightenment. He carried out a series of urban reforms in Madrid, ranging from public lighting to the paving of the streets. These reforms of the capital also had an aesthetic significance. His aim was to bring the capital of Spain, Madrid, up to the aesthetic level of other European cities such as Paris or Saint Petersburg.

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APPRECIATE ART & CULTURE * LOVE SPAIN
Resource Books written by
Karla Ingleton Darocas 
and published by
SpainLifestyle.com 

* CLICK  HERE *

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GOYA KNEW THE SECRET TO THE WITCHES FLIGHT

Since Halloween and the Day of the Dead are very close to each other, who better to take up the theme of witches' flight than Francisco Goya. Traditionally, witches were believed to use a broom to move through the air and assist the coven in places far from their usual haunts. 

The women accused of witchcraft were women who took care of the home: wives, midwives, servants, etc. And what do these people have in common? A broom! It stands to reason that the broom was a representation of women and thus became the witches' tool. 

Goya, who knew the aspects of witchcraft well, captured the moment when an old witch initiates a young woman into these practises. But he also knew that it was not the broom that gave the witches their flying abilities. 

* Report by Karla Ingleton Darocas. Hons. B. A.  (KarlaDarocas.com)

Did You Know... Spain has a lot to do with the perceptions and fears that continue today about witches and their crafts?

 Yes, indeed it is true!

In 1610, the infamous "Quema de brujas en Logroño" (Burning of the Witches in Logroño) witch trials took place, and a local printer, Juan de Mongastón, published a pamphlet chronicling the events. This document detailed the trial and condemnation of 53 people accused of witchcraft, along with five skeletons and five effigies, creating a vivid picture of witchcraft and its supposed dangers.