Madrid historical visit hidden treasures and French heritage

From Christian origins, with Constance of Burgundy and Provencal soldiers, to Isabella of Valois, Bourbons and Napoleon, discover a thousand years of history in the footsteps of France in Madrid.

1. 1

   Stop 1

   10 min

   Enter one of the oldest churches in Madrid, historically linked to the city’s first French community. Admire remarkable works by Francisco Rizi, Greco, Antonio de Pereda, Alonso Cano and Luca Giordano, while discovering the stories they hide.

2. 2

   Plaza Mayor

   10 min

   In the Plaza Mayor, symbol of the Madrid of Habsburg, we will recall Isabella de Valois, French wife of Philip II. We will also discover the pulpit from which a monk encouraged the Madridites to rise up against the French occupation, helping to light the spark of May 2, 1808.

3. 3

   Plaza De Puerta Cerrada

   5 min

   In Puerta Cerrada, we will discover the ancient emblem of Madrid and the Botín restaurant, founded by a French and recognized as the oldest restaurant in the world still in activity.

4. 4

   Calle De La Cava Baja

   5 min

   In the Cava Baja, an ancient road running along the medieval walls, we will discover the popular history of Madrid, its ancient inns and travellers who once entered the city.

5. 5

   Plaza Del Humilladero

   5 min

   In the charming Plaza del Humilladero, near the San Isidro Museum, we will recall the ancient Maya, underground galleries of Muslim origin that supplied Madrid with water and that later became the famous viajes de agua.

6. 6

   Plaza De La Paja

   5 min

   In Plaza de la Paja, we will discover the Vargas Palace, where Charles V would have stayed for two months to enjoy the clean air of the Madrid Sierra. We will also mention his fascinating rivalry with Francis I and Henry VIII.

7. 7

   Iglesia de San Pedro El Viejo

   5 min

   At the Church of San Pedro el Viejo, we will admire one of the finest examples of Madrid Mudejar architecture, including its remarkable medieval brick tower.

8. 8

   Jardin del Principe de Anglona

   5 min

   In the secret garden of the Prince of Angola, we will evoke Pedro Téllez-Girón, patron of Goya, and the afrancesados who gathered here, seduced by the ideas coming from France. After the war, many experienced exile, disgrace or ruin.

9. 9

   Plaza de la Cruz Verde

   10 min

   In Plaza de la Cruz Verde, linked to the memory of the Spanish Inquisition, we will discover the origin of its name and some of its legends. We will also take a short free break for a drink.

10. 10

    El Huerto de Las Monjas

    5 min

    We will enter the Huerto de las Monjas, a secret garden that belonged until the 1980s to a convent of French nuns. We will discover an elegant Parisian fountain decorated with little angels.

11. 11

    Basilica de San Miguel

    5 min

    At the Pontifical Basilica of St. Michael, we will admire a remarkable example of the religious architecture of the Madrid des Bourbons and discover how the new dynasty transformed the image of the capital.

12. 12

    Monasterio Del Corpus Christi

    5 min

    At the Convent of the Carboneras, we will discover a secret place where the nuns still sell artisanal pastries prepared in the convent, continuing an age-old Madrid tradition.

13. 13

    Plaza de la Villa

    10 min

    In Plaza de la Villa, the Lujanes Tower will take us back to the history of Francis I. An ancient coat of arms will allow us to retrace part of Europe’s history, amid a remarkable set of Mudéjare and Plateresque architecture.

14. 14

    Madrid

    5 min

    At the Palais des Conseils, we will observe how the austere and monumental architecture of Madrid reflects the religious and political ideals of the Counter-Reformation that emerged from the Council of Trent.

15. 15

    Cripta de la Almudena

    10 min

    In the crypt of the Almudena, we will discover - Lady of the Flower of Lis, one of the oldest paintings preserved in Madrid, traditionally linked to Queen Constance of Burgundy.

16. 16

    Royal Palace of Madrid

    10 min

    In front of the Royal Palace, a monumental masterpiece of the Bourbons, we will tell the story of Philip V, the first French king of Spain, whose mental health deteriorated to the point that, according to a famous account, he eventually thinks he is transformed into a frog.

17. 17

    Plaza de Oriente

    10 min

    In Plaza de Oriente, we will discover the urban transformations undertaken by Joseph Bonaparte and the spectacular statue of Philip IV, the first equestrian statue in the world depicting a horse pitched up in balance on its hind legs alone.

18. 18

    Plaza de Isabel II

    5 min

    On the Opera Square, we will end the tour by retracing on a map the main stages of the route and the great transformations of Madrid discovered together.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

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