Exploring the must-see sites in Madrid’s historic centre

From the Puerta de Alcalá through the Plaza Mayor, , then continuing to the Puerta del Sol to sample Lhardy before finishing the day at the Teatro Real. Spend a day strolling through Madrid’s centre with our guide to its historic sites.

By Las Rozas Village

01

First stop: the Puerta de Alcalá

As Ana Belén and Víctor Manuel sang in the eponymous song, the Puerta de Alcalá has been welcoming visitors to Madrid since 1778. Standing magnificently in the Plaza de la Independencia, the gate was unintentionally approved by King Carlos III when Francisco Sabatini presented two sketches for the construction of the first triumphal arch after the end of the Roman Empire. That’s why, if you look closely, you’ll notice that the east and west façades differ in design.

DID YOU KNOW?
There are four figures of princes crowning the gate, each representing a value that Charles III wanted the people of Madrid to always bear in mind: fortitude, temperance, prudence and justice.

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02

Madrid's Plaza Mayor: the heart of the capital

Transformed from mudflats used for royal duck hunts into a bustling, commercial hub – more than 400 years of history (and curiosities) await within the walls of this iconic Madrid square. It was Philip III who decided to modernise the capital, building the epicentre of trade activity and a place for everyone to enjoy, including monarchs. Bullfights, executions during the Inquisition and annual Christmas markets, everything has and will continue to happen in Madrid’s Plaza Mayor – don’t miss out on being a part of its history.

DID YOU KNOW?
The square’s residents had to give up their balconies to the court on the days of celebration. And, to avoid the anger of Queen Isabel de Borbón, King Felipe IV purchased a discreet balcony – 'La Marizápalos' – so that he could invite his mistress, the actress María Calderón, without arousing suspicion.

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Madrid’s most famous square: Puerta del Sol

The Casa de Correos, the statue of Carlos III, the Bear and the Strawberry Tree and even the Tío Pepe sign. Each and every corner of Madrid's Puerta del Sol is forever etched in the minds of those who visit. This enclave, which marks the beginning of Spain's six major roads – Kilometre 0 – is also the busiest in the city. Loved by locals and tourists alike, it’s the premier destination for thousands of Spaniards to usher in the New Year.

DID YOU KNOW?

That same enclave was also home to a small fortress, with a gate upon which was carved a sun. Once discovered, locals referred to it as the Puerta del Sol and it’s remained that way ever since.

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The history of Madrid: Lhardy restaurant

Much of Spain's history has been woven around Lhardy’s delicious dishes, the first restaurant recorded in Madrid. From aristocrats to intellectuals and politicians, its refined cuisine and impeccable service captivated the capital's high society and lead to its successful longevity. After more than three centuries of history, its romantic-style dining rooms still retain the aura of nineteenth-century Madrid, while its menu includes contemporary delights which nod to its evolution.

INSIDER TIP

Lhardy introduced Madrid to European haute cuisine and refined sweets, but there are three typical Madrilenian dishes that you absolutely must try: cocido madrileño, callos a la madrileña and riñones al jerez.

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05

Preserving Madrid’s stories and secrets: Teatro Real

A large part of the capital's cultural heritage has been celebrated by different monarchs, which is true of Teatro Real. King Ferdinand VII, after the defeat of Napoleon in Spain, decided that Madrid deserved an opera house like the great European cities, even though he didn’t have the funds to build one. After its golden age, a collapse in 1925 which led to its closure – and then the Civil War (which further destroyed the building) – the Teatro Real was restored between the 1960s and 1990s, transforming it into the landmark it’s admired as today.

DID YOU KNOW?

The interior décor, both original and reproduction, is majestic. Stealing the spotlight is the sparkling crystal and bronze chandelier, which hangs over the stalls, weighing in at 2,400 kg.

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