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| Home » Major Tourist Attractions » Museo Arqueológico Nacional
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Museo Arqueológico Nacional |
The National Archeological Museum of Spain or Museo Arqueológico Nacional as it is called in Spanish language, is situated in the capital of Spain, Madrid. Museo Arqueológico Nacional is situated beside Plaza de Colon or Colubmus Square and shares the building with the National Library of Spain. Museo Arqueológico Nacional was established in the year 1867 by a Royal Decree of Isabella II. The purpose of creation of National Archeological Museum was to preserve the numismatic, archaeological, ethnographical, and decorative art collections of the monarchs of Spain. In 1895, all funds were moved to the present neoclassical building that was completed in 26 years starting from 1866. The museum at present is a storehouse of exhibits that owe their origin to the Prehistoric and Renaissance times. Together with the decorative items of the monarchs of Spain, the museum exhibits consist of treasures that decorated the churches and monasteries.
The Prehistoric cave paintings of the museum depicting bison, horses, and boars that were discovered in Altamira, Cantabria attracts huge number of tourists every year. Access to the actual replica is restricted and the visitors are able to see the painting underground in the garden.
Another attraction of Museo Arqueológico Nacional is the statue of a 5th-century Iberian woman called La Dama de Elche. The noticeable features of the image include the headgear of the woman which is a forerunner of mantillas and the hair combs of the woman which are associated with traditional Spanish dress.
The 8th-century Visigothic votive crowns are another attraction of the museum that was discovered in the year 1859 near Toledo.
While visiting Museo Arqueológico Nacional one must not miss the 14th-century photograph of choir stall that was discovered from the palace of Palencia.
The Islamic collection of Spain that finds manifestation in the museum is amazing. Also one finds among Roman Antiques the statues of Tiberius and his mother Livia.
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