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

15 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 15 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Madrid, Spain

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180 to 210 minutes (approx.)
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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.

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
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Plaza de Isabel II
Centro, 28013 Madrid, Spain

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Plaza Mayor
Madrid, Spain

What To Expect

Teatro Real

We will enjoy the building, reviewing the history of the Opeara Theater
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Plaza de Oriente

We will learn the urban development of the Square from the arabs till today,
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Real Iglesia Parroquial de Santiago y San Juan Bautista

Church in honor of the apostle Santiago
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Museo de la Catedral de la Almudena

From a seaview, we will explain you the history of the Cathedral of La Almudena
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Arab Wall

We will enjoy the only rests we have of the old Arab Walls built in the 9th century,
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Puerta del Sol

We will finish in the Kilometer 0 at Puerta del Sol
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Show 10 more stops

Additional Info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Architecture Tour Old Madrid, from the Arabs to the Borbons, trough the Austrias?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST).This tour 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. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-148549P4

Reviews

5.00
15 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 15 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
15
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0

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What's Included

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • 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

Additional Info

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers

Report Product Issue

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Language & Country

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Free Cancellation

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This tour 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.

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American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

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