About this experience
I will show you the main city sights and take you to places that only locals visit. Without overwhelming you with dry dates, numbers, and names, I will tell the history of Madrid in a fun and accessible way. After this experience, you will not only enjoy the city but truly understand it. You will learn to distinguish buildings from different centuries, understand the meaning of tiles on the pavement near shops and restaurants, and discover hidden monuments. I hope you will fondly remember my stories and want to return to beautiful Madrid!
What to Expect
City Landmarks and Secret Symbols
You will see Isabel II Square and learn its unofficial name. You will find a hidden monument of Lope de Vega and hear an interesting story about the church known as “Marguerites.” You will discover the image of the first architect on the facade of the Royal Palace and unravel the mystery of the statues adorning it. You will learn why the Cathedral was built contrary to Christian canons and what foundation it had. I will also show you a part of the fortress wall that remains from the Arab invasions and teach you to distinguish buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries.
Madrid Yesterday and Today
You will be impressed by the Segovia Bridge, connecting two Madrid hills, and the Habsburg Palace, not inferior in luxury to the ancient Alcazar. I will help you find the symbol with which the city government awards all establishments that have proven the continuity of their activities. You will visit the main medieval square in Madrid, where you will hear the nuances of construction from the 15th century. You will walk along a street whose name can be seen on a tile and learn why there was no house numbering in Madrid before. And one small square will “tell” you what houses looked like 200 years ago.
Plaza Mayor and the Madrid Bear
I will tell you about the events that took place in the “heart” of Madrid, on Plaza Mayor. You will learn why it became a place for executions, pass under one of the arches, and see the former prison. You will see houses that are over 150 years old and Puerta del Sol with a history full of legends and curiosities. Finally, I will show you the bear with the strawberry tree and explain why it became the symbol of our wonderful city!
