Guided tours in Madrid

The Madrid of the Bourbons

The stroll starts at the famous Puerta del Sol. In this place many historic events as the Revolution of May 2 against Napoleon and the proclamation of the 2nd Spanish Republic have occurred. Today we find there the seat of government of the Community of Madrid and is the place chosen by tens of thousands of people to welcome the New Year with the famous 12 strokes of its clock. Therefore, a must for anyone visiting Madrid, and the best place to start our tour of Madrid in the last centuries.

We will visit the first sections of the famous Alcala Street, where some of the best architectural examples of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, with the echoes of a past that still refuses to disappear. So, we will explain some of the most beautiful and important buildings in all of Madrid, besides the curiosities and interesting stories buildings, how this street from its origin was first favorite place for the building of monasteries and churches, and place of residence to the nobles of highest class, and finally, the establishment of the most powerful banks and state institutions (Santander, BBVA, Bank of Spain ...).

Also, one of the best parts of the beginning of the Gran Vía will be observed., perhaps the best known and popular street in all Madrid.From a privileged place we will count the hard beginning of its construction, the stages of it, some very recognizable and prominent buildings and as always, the best stories and legends about it,Finally, some of the best establishments will suggest to shop, to enjoy a good coffee or to eat the most typical Madrid cuisine dishes.

We will continue our journey reaching the roundabout Cibeles, where hundreds of thousands of Real Madrid fans celebrate their team titles. Here will be counted a legend, related to classical Greek mythology, the goddess Cybele with two lions pulling his chariot. And also you can observe four of the most interesting buildings around Madrid (including the current town hall), plus a good view of the Paseo del Prado, from which some interesting options related to culture (Museo del Prado, Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza ...) will be suggested.

We will follow the path of Alcala Street until reaching the Plaza de la Independencia, where is located the most recognizable monument in Madrid, Puerta de Alcalá. This site will explain what makes it so important to this monument, created by Carlos III for the monumental entrance to all the kings of Spain from the late eighteenth century, formerly bound herds of goats and sheep. There is no better place to reflect the Bourbons (from 1700 to the present) that this beautiful building and the monumental entrance to no less beautiful Parque del Retiro.

So from here we enter the Parque del Retiro, the most excellent garden around Madrid, with the best specimens of plants and trees, with examples of sculptures and most important architects of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century; and with the most interesting story that will lead us since its creation as a private garden for King Philip IV in 1630 until the French occupation, the partial destruction by an elephant, the openness and creation of a park, until today as one of the most important green spaces in the capital of Spain. Definitely the best ride that can be performed by Madrid, full of anecdotes, stories, legends and a spectacle for the eyes of visitors.