Accommodation
Petit Palace Plaza Mayor
This morning, our local guide will pick you up at the hotel for a private guided walking tour of the old part of the city: the
Habsburgs' quarter, noteworthy places such as Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, San Miguel Market...and the most emblematic
buildings such as the Royal Palace.
In the 16th century, Felipe II established his court in Madrid. By then, the city was nothing but a myrian of small houses,
churches and streets with a population of just 20,000 inhabitants. The kingdom of the Habsburgs, to show off their powerful
empire and wealth, had to invest to develop and transform the city with a great variety of buidlings and infrastructures, such
as the iconic Plaza Mayor and the Puerta del Sol, which became the geographical centre of Spain. The aristocracy also built
their mansions in this area, which became really rich in terms of architecture, ranging from the late Renaissance through the
early Baroque.
The works were culminated in the 18th century with the construction of the Royal Palace, which is a magnificent architectural
masterpiece with an impressive inside decoration full of frescos, tapestries, etc. So, today, along this tour, you will be travelling
back to the Golden age of Madrid and its magnificent buildings.
In the afternoon, free time to keep exploring the city on your own.
Overnight at your accommodation.