We propose that you learn more about the origins of the city from the urban, historical and architectural point of view since the arabs founded it at the end of the 9th century, following with the conquest of the city by Alfonso VI of Castilla in the 11th century or the moment when Felipe II decided to fix the capital in Madrid, in 1561. We will begin in front of the Royal Palace, reviewing its history since the Arabs built the Alcázar, the defensive castle when Madrid was founded till the moment Felipe V ordered to built the Royal Palace as we know today. From there, we will learn more about the history of the Cathedral and the the new Royal Collections Museum designed by Tuñón and Mansilla. We will enjoy the only rests we have of the Arab Wall. Crossing the Viaduct of Segovia, we will enjoy the views of the forest called Casa de Campo, the green lung, three times bigger than Central Park, the King’s private hunting site until 1931 and a Civil War front, stopping at a viewpoint from which we will enjoy the views of part of the cornice of Madrid. We will continue the walk trough, walking throught these old small streets and squares we will arrive to the Square of Puerta Cerrada, one of the old gates of the old city. San Miguel Market will be other of one stops where you could have a drink and tapas after visiting Plaza de la Villa where the old City Hall of the city is located. From there you will learn the history of Plaza Mayor, the best example of castillians squares, built 400 years ago.
- Teatro Real: We will enjoy the building, reviewing the history of the Opeara Theater
- Plaza de Oriente: We will learn the urban development of the Square from the arabs till today,
- Royal Palace of Madrid: We will admire every facade and we will explain you the different architects and kings that they were involved in this project,. We will not include the visit of the interior.
- Plaza de Ramales: We wil see the ruins of the Church of San Juan, where the painter Velazquez was buried and the Church of Santiago.
- Real Iglesia Parroquial de Santiago y San Juan Bautista: Church in honor of the apostle Santiago
- Church of St. Nicholas of the Servitas (San Nicolas de las Servitas): We will visit the oldest church in Madrid with a mudejar tower full of horseshoes arches.
- Museo de la Catedral de la Almudena: From a seaview, we will explain you the history of the Cathedral of La Almudena
- Arab Wall: We will enjoy the only rests we have of the old Arab Walls built in the 9th century,
- Plaza de la Villa: We will visit the old City Hall and the building that surrounds the square, as Casa de Cisneros and Casa de los Lujanes.
- Mercado San Miguel: We will stop in the only market with the structure mad of steel we have in Madrid, where you can have a drink and eat tapas.
- Plaza Mayor: We will finish in the social and comercial center of the city for the last 400 yeats of this example of square from Castilla.
- Puerta del Sol: We will finish in the Kilometer 0 at Puerta del Sol
Included
- The visit led by a local architect who will give you the artistic historical context of the buildings, accompanied by plans and historical photos to understand the urban development of the city in each period.
Not included
- Tips
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
