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The wealthy suburb of Moncloa contains the Spanish prime ministerial home and is worth a visit even if you are not using the bus terminal for El Pardo and El Escorial. The metro will bring you out opposite the imposing Ministry of Defence building and the impressive Arco de la Victoria, marking Napoleon's exit from the capital. Beyond this lies the leafy expanses of the Parque del Oeste and the campuses of the Ciudad Universitaria . During term time, the end of each day sees the area become one big student party, with huddles of picnickers and singing groups under the trees. Take the Plaza de Moncloa metro exit and the path on your right through the trees will lead you to the Mirador del Faro (Tues-Sun: June-Aug 11am-1.45pm & 5.30-8.45pm; Sept-May 10.30am-2pm & 5.30-8pm; ?1.25), a futuristic 92-metre-high tower with stunning views over the city and to the mountains beyond. Just past this, with its main entrance on Avda. Reyes Catolicos 6, the Museo de America (Tues-Sat 10am-3pm, Sun 10am-2.30pm; ?3, free on Sat after 2pm and Sun) contains a fine collection of artefacts, ceramics and silverware from Spain's former colonies in Latin America. The highlight is the fabulous Quimbayas treasure - a breathtaking collection of gold objects and figures from the Quimbaya culture of Colombia.
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