About this experience
Alcala is the longest and, without exaggeration, the most 'Madrilenian' street. It stretches from the heart of the city, Puerta del Sol square, all the way to the airport and crosses several completely different neighborhoods - both in appearance and atmosphere. In 3 hours you will see how ordinary workers, affluent middle class, and rich Madrilenians live. You will also get acquainted with a variety of architectural styles: from baroque and neo-Byzantine churches, luxurious income houses of the 19th-20th centuries to a residential area in English style, local 'Khrushchevkas' from the 50s, and the longest multistory buildings of the 60s.
What to expect
Madrid First. Working-class
Our journey will start at the main square of the city - Puerta del Sol, where you will return at the end of the excursion. After a few metro stops, in 15-20 minutes, you will emerge in the colorful working-class district of Quintana. Here we will discuss the layout of residential neighborhoods and the reflection of national mentality in their appearance. I will tell you about Madrid's social, or cooperative housing of the 50s-70s. I will also introduce you to the so-called beehive houses, which 50 years ago became the largest and longest residential buildings in Spain.
Madrid Second. Well-off
Crossing the ring highway, you will encounter the huge Bullfighting Arena in neo-Moorish style and find yourself in the area of the well-off middle class. Here, in the alleys of Alcala, I will show you 'Little England' of the early last century, bars and restaurants associated with bullfighting, and even the monument to Eva Peron, the beloved heroine of Argentina.
Madrid Third. Democratic
The bustling square of Manuel Becerra, full of cafes with terraces, will lead you to the most democratic part of the prestigious central district of Madrid - Salamanca. In addition to stories about local way of life and the architectural picture of the neighborhood, a surprise awaits those who watched the Spanish series 'Dejura Aptheka' in the wild 90s (remember pharmacist Lourdes and the boy with braces?).
