Are you looking to explore the history of Madrid through the ages? There are a number of historical destinations in Madrid including the time-honored buildings, monuments, palaces, and parks where you can learn about the glorious past of Madrid. The presence of these historical sites and museums will take you on a walk through Madrid ‘s rich history.
If you are willing to have an in-depth historical information about Madrid, we recommend that you take a wonderful guided tour to cover the major historical attractions. Also, check the opening and closing time for each so that you can organize your time. Make sure that you go through the complete list of historical places in Madrid for a great trip!
Top Historical Places in Madrid
Let's witness the history of Madrid with these top historical places - monuments and landmarks:
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Queen Sofia Arts Center
(7731 Votes)
16th century onwards, this was a big old hospital, and it became bigger and more sprawling as needs expanded. There was talk of tearing it down, but a 1977 decree declared the building a National Historic Monument. Today, it’s one of Europe’s top centres of 20th century art, and a half bad centre of 19th century art. Other exhibits are just as excellent – these include a phot...Read more -
Cerralbo Museum
(1767 Votes)
The 17th Marques de Cerralbo was a great intellectual, and he was also very rich. Naturally he decided to go around the world collecting a massive number of curiosities that caught his fancy. Further, in the natural course of these things, his house after his death was converted into a fascinating museum. Grand ballrooms and dining halls are the order of the day, as are precious Tupperware, su...Read more -
Madrid has many landmarks – this is perhaps the most beautiful. Cybele, the eponymous goddess whose fountain decorates the neo-classical plaza, has long been a symbol of Madrid; the Real Madrid Football Club reflects this, and fans celebrate wins right in front of the sculpture. Three beautiful and famous buildings border the square – the Banco de Espana, the Linares Place, and the...Read more
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Metropolis Building
(1563 Votes)
Riveting architecture, beautiful sculptures and stunningly lit at night, this early 20th century office building is one of Madrid’s most spectacular buildings. The Black Dome is really striking, with the statue of a winged goddess Victoria on top. You can’t go in, but you don’t need to. Just click a pic of it in the evening and move on. Also, visit nearby attractions which ar...Read more -
Catedral De La Almudena
(657 Votes)
Catedral de Sta Maria la Real de la Almudena was built from the 1880’s to the 1990’s spanning 100 years. The Neo -Gothic architecture with influences of contemporary designand modern Pop-Art décor give the cathedral its distinct look. Highlights Include: Neo-Romanesque Crypt: A 19th century crypt that accommodates a 16th century image of the Almudena Virgin. Museum: Sh...Read more -
Plaza Monumental De Toros De Las Ventas
(480 Votes)
Flamenco is only one of Madrid’s historical staple… bullfighting is the other! This Moorish architecture arena can seat 25000 and does! Bullfighting season is from March to December and some weeks fights are held everyday. Do not miss the chance to spectate one the worlds original extreme sports. All that aside, the architecture is really grand too; some of the highlights are the ...Read more -
Monasterio De Las Descalzas Reales
(651 Votes)
Europe will never run out of crazy histories like this. Back in 1559, Joanna of Austria founded this convent. It began to attract nobleborn and wealthy spinsters and widows, who each brought with them a substantial dowry, and soon the convent was filthy rich. Not that it mattered – no one was allowed to spend or even display that wealth. The nuns became poorer and poorer until one day th...Read more -
Palacio De Cibeles
(1490 Votes)
The City Hall of Madrid has the grandeur of Gothic architecture having been built in the early periods of the 20th century. It was primarily designed to house the main administrative postal office of Madrid, and therefore it also bears the name of the Communications Palace. Through a consistent service for over a century, the City Hall was later renovated to be the operational central office o...Read more -
The Plaza de la Villa belongs to the important heritage buildings and plazas of Madrid. It depicts the creation of the architectures based on the Gothic culture and art. It bears the oldest of the buildings named as the Torre de los Lujanes. The build of the Plaza de la Villa dates back to the 15th century. The other buildings of majestic and historical importance are the Casa de Cisneros, whi...Read more -
Plaza De Espana
(1299 Votes)
This sudden oasis at the end of Madrid’s is unexpectedly peaceful. It’s also Madrid’s most popular hangout. The standouts here are two of the largest/tallest buildings in the city, and even more popular is the fountain and statue combo that makes up the Monument to Miguel Cervantes, the writer of Don Quixote. Sunbathers are regulars here, but so are nightbirds, thanks to a wo...Read more -
Fuente De Neptuno
(525 Votes)
Depicting the Sea-God Neptune on a conch-shell pulled by sea horses, the Fuente de Neptuno is loved for its Neo-Classic design. The fountain was built in the 1780’s by architect Ventura Rodriguez- who also designed the famous Cibeles fountain. The iconic monument with the statue of Neptune holding the Trident in one hand a snake in the other with surrounding Dolphinsis a rare treat for a...Read more -
El Oso Y El Madrono
(511 Votes)
The El Oso y el Madrono is an iconic Statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree and represents a coat of arms of Madrid. Its first appearance dates back to the 13th century where only a bear was shown in a passant attitude.The statue was inaugurated in 1967 and today it is represented bya bear heaving on a Tree taller than him- depicting the resolution undertaken to control Madrilenian pasture...Read more -
Monumento A Alfonso Xii
(414 Votes)
Located in the Retiro Park, the Monumento a Alfonso XII was designed by Jose Grases Riera who won a national contest held for the design of the monument. After the death of Jose Grases Riera , the project was undertaken by Teodoro Anasagasti who kept the original design and constructed the monument in Marble and Bronze. Today the monument echoes the grandeur of the park itself and highli...Read more -
Jardins Do Templo De Debod
(2630 Votes)
The Jardins do Templo de Debod is an ancient Egyptian temple which was dismantled and brought to Madrid and reconstructed to form one of the most iconic places in the city today. The temple consists of 2 enclosed walls leading to the temple itself. The serene waters that surround the temple juxtapose against the rustic stone structures and make for a rather strikingly beautiful sight. The view ...Read more -
General Franco said that he wanted to commemorate the fallen of the Spanish Civil War, so he commissioned this extravagant memorial on their behalf. Covering a wide area of the hills and woods of Sierra de Guadarrama, the complex includes a Basilica, a Benedictine Abbey, a guest house, the Valley, and the Juanelos a massive 150 metre high cross that can be seen from 32 kilometres away. It remai...Read more
