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Madrid Historic with an architect : Arabs, Austrias and Bourbons

17 Reviews 4.88 out of 5 stars Based on 17 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 94% of reviewers | Madrid, Spain
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 22 (0) days in advance.

180 to 210 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 1 more
Spanish

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
4, 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

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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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 11 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

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Madrid Historic with an architect : Arabs, Austrias and Bourbons?

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 (CET).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

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.88
17 reviews

Average 4.88 out of 5 stars based on 17 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
16
4 stars
0
3 stars
1
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 22 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • 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

Activity name

  • 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

Report Product Issue

Activity name