Madrid is way more than what you’ve already seen.
Rediscover it with Make My Day and Antonio, a passionate historian, writer of more than 16 books about Madrid. You will get to know its corners, symbols, stories and gossips of the different ages of the city, in a fun but documented and certified way. Your city will never be the same.
THE ORIGINS OF MADRID
The old wall that used to border Magerit (Madrid) is still there. In front of everyone, but nobody is able to see it. The same happens with many symbols of the inquisition and freemasonry.
This is a trip to an old city where Muslims, Jews and Christians lived together. It is a journey to a village with a nymphomaniac queen, bandits and busybodies. Along the way we’ll find out the origin of many of our costumes, and we’ll enjoy some of our most mythical “tapas”.
Area: Austrias.
Meeting point: Plaza de Isabel II, junto a la estatua (Metro Ópera).
THE FOUNDATIONS OF CHUECA
Did you know that Santa Bárbara Square was a gloomy prison, known for its terrible conditions? Chueca was the neighbourhood of the “Chisperos”, the artisans of steel. It was discovered here! They were always fighting with the “manolos” from Malasaña, and de “majos” from Lavapies.
Chueca was even more amazing in the 17th , 18th and 19th Centuries than it is right now. Come and discover its History, secrets and corners, to end the tour in a centenary tavern.
Area: Chueca
Meeting point: en la Plaza de Santa Bárbara (Metro Alonso Martínez).
THE MYTHOLOGY AND SYMBOLS OF MADRID
If you look carefully, you will realize that the Paseo del Prado and the Gran Vía are full of snakes. Do you know why?
In this trip we’ll discover one of the most beautiful and unknown statues of the city, many curiosities and a lot of hidden symbols. Also, we’ll enjoy a gourmet “pincho” and a drink in a well know gastrobar of the area.
Area: Jerónimos
Meeting Point: Plaza de Cánovas del Castillo (Neptuno).
THE SECRETS OF THE RETIRO PARK
Our most famous park is full of surprises. Some of us have heard that there is a statue of the Devil, but… did you know that the statues’ face is actually the face of the mother-in-law of the sculptor?
In this fascinating tour we’ll find out some of the best hidden secrets of The Retiro park, to finish enjoying an appetizer in an emblematic pub of the neighbourhood.
Area: Parque del Retiro.
Meeting Point: en la entrada del Retiro de la Puerta de Alcalá.