The Prado Museum Madrid

The Edificio Villanueva on the Paseo del Prado will continue to house masterpieces by Bosch, Goya, EI Greco, Murillo, Rubens, Titian, Velazquez and Zurbaran. Near by, the Antiguo Salon de Reinos will have 18th century art and the Cason del Buen Retiro, modern masters. This and Rafael Moneo's new building, incorporating the cloisters of the Jeronimos Monastery, opened in 2004. To get the best out of a visit, focus on a favourite artist or era.

Not surprisingly, the range of Spanish art from the 11th to the 19th century is unparalleled, especially from the siglo de Oro, the golden 17th century. Foremost was Velazquez court painter to Felipe IV. His works, such as Las Meninas (The Maids of Honour) and Las Hilanderas (The Spinners) are turning points in the art of composition. A century later, Goya was, arguably, even more influential. His range was extraordinary, from his naked Maja (Courtesan) to the Fusilamientos del 3 de mayo. This patriotic, passionate painting commemorates the heroism of the madrileno revolt against the French invaders in May 1808. Most disturbing of all are his 14 Pinturas Negras (Black Paintings) from the end of his life. Saturn devouring one of his sons and Witches' Sabbath make anything but comfortable viewing.

Don't miss The Garden of Delights by the Flemish master Hieronymus Bosch Despite years of academic study, this allegorical triptych portraying human frailties has yet to be fully deciphered.