Architecture Tour Old Madrid, from the Arabs to the Borbons, trough the Austrias
Architecture Tour Old Madrid, from the Arabs to the Borbons, trough the Austrias
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 Walls built by the arabs. 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 La Latina where the muslims lived for centuries.
Book This ExperienceA glimpse of the journey
Your Itinerary
A curated journey through the experience
Teatro Real
We will enjoy the building, reviewing the history of the Opeara Theater
10 minutesPlaza de Oriente
We will learn the urban development of the Square from the arabs till today,
10 minutesRoyal 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.
10 minutesPlaza de Ramales
We wil see the ruins of the Church of San Juan, where the painter Velazquez was buried and the Church of Santiago.
10 minutesReal Iglesia Parroquial de Santiago y San Juan Bautista
Church in honor of the apostle Santiago
5 minutesPlaza 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.
10 minutesIglesia de San Nicolas
We will visit the oldest church in Madrid with a mudejar tower full of horseshoes arches.
5 minutesMuseo de la Catedral de la Almudena
From a seaview, we will explain you the history of the Cathedral of La Almudena
5 minutesArab Wall
We will enjoy the only rests we have of the old Arab Walls built in the 9th century,
10 minutesLa Latina
We will walk trough the old neighborhood where the muslims lived till they were expulsed.
15 minutesMercado 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.
10 minutesPlaza 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.
10 minutesIncluded
- Acces to churchs (depending on the mass schedule), arab wall.
Not Included
- Snacks - Drinks, coffee, tapas or snacks are not included.
Good to Know
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Some churches are only opening before and after ceremonies and not the whole day as before, due to restrictions caused by COVID.
- Most travelers can participate
- Gear/equipment sanitized between use
- COVID-19 vaccination required for guides
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 7 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 16 hours of travel. In this case confirmation will be received as soon as possible, subject to availability
Tickets & Cancellation
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.