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Architecture Tour Old Madrid, from the Arabs to the Borbons, trough the Austrias
Architecture Tours 3 hours–3 hours 30 min 5.0 · 18 reviews Offered in: English, Spanish

Architecture Tour Old Madrid, from the Arabs to the Borbons, trough the Austrias

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Overview

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.

  • Recommended by 98% of travelers
  • Badge of Excellence
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
  • Mobile ticket

What's 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.

Tips

Meeting and pickup

Travelers meet at the meeting point.

Meeting point

We will meet at the entrance of the Starbucks, left corner of the Royal Theater

What to expect

  1. Teatro Real

    10 min

    We will enjoy the building, reviewing the history of the Opeara Theater

  2. Plaza de Oriente

    10 min

    We will learn the urban development of the Square from the arabs till today,

  3. Royal Palace of Madrid

    10 min

    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.

  4. Plaza de Ramales

    10 min

    We wil see the ruins of the Church of San Juan, where the painter Velazquez was buried and the Church of Santiago.

  5. Real Iglesia Parroquial de Santiago y San Juan Bautista

    5 min

    Church in honor of the apostle Santiago

  6. Church of St. Nicholas of the Servitas (San Nicolas de las Servitas)

    5 min

    We will visit the oldest church in Madrid with a mudejar tower full of horseshoes arches.

  7. Museo de la Catedral de la Almudena

    5 min

    From a seaview, we will explain you the history of the Cathedral of La Almudena

  8. Arab Wall

    10 min

    We will enjoy the only rests we have of the old Arab Walls built in the 9th century,

  9. Plaza de la Villa

    10 min

    We will visit the old City Hall and the building that surrounds the square, as Casa de Cisneros and Casa de los Lujanes.

  10. Mercado San Miguel

    10 min

    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.

  11. Plaza Mayor

    10 min

    We will finish in the social and comercial center of the city for the last 400 yeats of this example of square from Castilla.

  12. Puerta del Sol

    5 min

    We will finish in the Kilometer 0 at Puerta del Sol

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.

Times are local to the experience (Europe/Madrid).

Additional Information

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Mobile or paper ticket accepted
  • Up to 10 travelers per booking
  • Each booking must include at least one adult.

FAQs about Architecture Tour Old Madrid, from the Arabs to the Borbons, trough the Austrias

Can I cancel Architecture Tour Old Madrid, from the Arabs to the Borbons, trough the Austrias for free?

Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.

How long does it take?

It takes about 3 hours–3 hours 30 min.

Where does it start?

We will meet at the entrance of the Starbucks, left corner of the Royal Theater

What's included?

  • The visit led by a local architect who will give you the artistic historical context of the buildings, accompanied by plans and historical…

What's not included?

  • Tips

Which places does it visit?

It visits Teatro Real, Plaza de Oriente, Royal Palace of Madrid, Plaza de Ramales, Real Iglesia Parroquial de Santiago y San Juan Bautista, Church of St. Nicholas of the Servitas (San Nicolas de las Servitas), Museo de la Catedral de la Almudena, Arab Wall.

Which languages is it offered in?

It is offered in English, Spanish.

What fitness level is needed?

It is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Is it suitable for children?

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

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