Fodor's Expert Review Matadero Madrid

What was once Madrid's largest slaughterhouse is now one of its most vibrant arts and culture centers. The Matadero Municipal de Legazpi was in operation from 1925 to 1996; at its peak, it comprised 64 buildings and processed over 500 cattle and 5,000 sheep per day. The complex is a stunning example of Spanish fin-de-siècle civil architecture, all stone-and-redbrick facades punctuated by wide doorways and arched windows. Today its bays are thronged with families, tourists, and plenty of pierced-and-tattooed artists. Events range from film screenings to poetry slams to art exhibits and design fairs. La Cantina, the restaurant on the premises, is pleasant for a drink, though the food is nothing special.