Old Madrid

2nd of May 1808: Uprising Against the French

The start of the Peninsular War. We visit all the important sites which witnessed the dramatic uprising including the arsenal where the popular heroes were killed, Marshal Murat's HQ, Royal Palace, Puerta del Sol and the Plaza del Lealtad. On the anniversary, Madrid has a holiday and many celebrations take place, including a military march through the Puerta del Sol. The Society organizes participation (but not marching!) on this day, the second of May, each year.    Click here for price

Bloody Madrid! 

The houses, palaces, plazas and dark narrow streets where murder most foul was committed! This walk, if done at night, is not recommended for the weak hearted! On the steps of the San Isidro Church we hear the following story; 

"Although Madrid became the capital in 1561, it never became a city because the cathedral was still in Toledo. However, in the 19th century the powers that be decided that Madrid should have both a cathedral and a Primate of All Spain. A priest from out of town was given the job, stepped out of the carriage at noon on the 15th May, San Isidro's saint's day, walked up these steps BUT before he could enter HIS new cathedral a VERY irate Jesuit came racing up, pulled out a meat-cleaver from his holy robes and decapitated the said new Primate, kicking the head down these very steps screaming "Go back from whence they came!"          Click here for price

Let us move on to our next bloody scene, shall we, ladies and gentlemen...?

Saints and Sinners! 

Visit some of the most peaceful and delightfully decorated interiors of these holy places that date back centuries. behold the holy relics from saints...still in jars and protected by nuns who last saw the outside world five decades ago! This walk begins at the San Isidro Church off the Plaza Mayor, named after the city's patron saint. We hear the stories attached to this most famous holy site - including the actions of a very angry Jesuit priest.          Click here for price

Hapsburg Madrid 

The Hapsburgs arrived in Madrid in 1561 and seventy years on had built a court prison, Plaza Mayor, town hall, churches, and other elegant buildings. Madrid was fast becoming a capital to equal the very best in Europe.

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