About this experience
Salamanca is the embodiment of Madrid's elegance. Ancient family clans and major business magnates still reside here. Immerse yourself in a world of luxury, success, and prestige. Explore palaces and mansions. Walk along the 'Golden Mile' and taste special desserts at a local patisserie. Hear interesting stories about Buen Retiro Park. Let's also talk about the works of Goya and Lorca, and how Spanish bourgeoisie is connected to the Arab world.
What to expect
Sibelles Palace and Marquis of Salamanca Palace
The tour will start near the current City Hall - the Sibelles Palace. It's hard to believe, but once it was the main post office and telegraph office! You will learn the history of the building. And then we will approach the palace of the district's founding father, who managed to have the king's favor and obtained a loan for constructing a new part of Madrid. He also built himself an antique mansion, which we can admire today from the outside (unfortunately, entry is not allowed).
Columbus Square
Next, the route will take us to the square where Salamanca begins. You will hear about the famous navigator and find out why the Spanish crown sponsored his expeditions, even though he was an Italian subject. You will also discover the symbolism of the four stones on the square.
Madrid's 'Golden Mile'
Afterward, we will stroll along the most expensive street in Serrano with elite real estate and luxury boutiques. Here you can see how history intertwines with modern luxury life in Salamanca. This part of the city is famous for its cafes and restaurants. I will suggest visiting a wonderful patisserie that sells special desserts prepared according to the owner's childhood recipes.
A few words about Francisco Goya and Federico Garcia Lorca
On Goya Street, near the artist's bust, you will hear vivid moments from his biography. I will show you his portraits and most outstanding works on a tablet. Across the street, you will see a beautiful building - a former dormitory where Lorca, Dali, and Bunuel lived simultaneously - stars of Spanish literature, painting, and cinema. I will read to you the deepest, in my opinion, verses of Federico Garcia Lorca.
Neo-Mudejar and 'Arab House'
You will admire elements of the Neo-Mudejar style in local architecture and reach a cultural center - a corner of Spanish-Arab culture. Here is a stunning free museum of Arab lifestyle. If it's open (sometimes closed for events), we will go inside.
Buen Retiro Park
The tour will end in the local Central Park with an interesting history of its creation. I will show you old engravings and tell you about the 16-17th-century royal country residence - Palacio del Buen Retiro. Unfortunately, the palace was destroyed due to Napoleon's invasion. You will also hear an unusual fact about the park and walk to the Big Pond with boats.
Organizational details
- No additional mandatory expenses, only optional spending on coffee and desserts at the patisserie
- The tour will be conducted by me or another guide from our team
