- 1
Real Basilica de San Francisco el Grande
Passing by the Royal Basilica of San Francisco el Grande, officially the Basilica of Our Lady of Angels.
This is a Catholic church located in Madrid, within the Palacio neighborhood, in the historic center of Spain's capital.
· Non-stop passage
- 2
Museo de la Catedral de la Almudena
We will pass by the Almudena Cathedral, Madrid's most important religious building.
It was consecrated by Pope John Paul II on June 15, 1993, becoming the first cathedral consecrated outside Rome.
The Almudena Cathedral Museum houses numerous artifacts detailing the history of the Madrid diocese, including mosaics, episcopal shields, and ornaments across its twelve rooms.
· Non-stop passage
- 3
Royal Palace of Madrid
The Royal Palace, also known as Palacio de Oriente, is currently used solely for receptions, ceremonies, and official events, as the Spanish royals reside in the Palacio de la Zarzuela.
Construction began in 1738 and took seventeen years to complete. King Carlos III established it as his primary residence in 1764.
The palace stands on the site of the former Palace of the Austrias, which was destroyed by fire on Christmas Eve 1734.
The Palacio de Oriente is bordered by the Campo del Moro gardens (dating from the Middle Ages) to the west and the Sabatini gardens (created in the 20th century) to the north. The Campo del Moro is accessible during the day.
· Non-stop passage
- 4
Mercado San Miguel
We will pass by the Mercado San Miguel, a covered market established around 1916.
It offers local food, delicatessen items, and hosts events in an elegant setting.
· Non-stop passage
- 5
Casa de Cervantes
We will pass by the Casa de Cervantes, located in the distinctive Barrio de las Letras.
This area is where Miguel de Cervantes, the celebrated author of "Don Quixote de la Mancha," lived and died.
In 16th-century Madrid, this neighborhood was a vibrant hub for novels, theatrical performances, poetry, and art, alongside street life, duels, and intrigue.
· Non-stop passage
- 6
Plaza de las Cortes
We will pass by the Palace of the Spanish Courts, built on the grounds of the former convent of the Holy Spirit.
This building served as the seat of Congress from 1834 to 1841.
The neoclassical facade features a grand staircase leading to a portico with six imposing Corinthian columns, topped by a triangular pediment decorated with reliefs by Ponciano Ponzano.
The iconic lions guarding the entrance, also sculpted by Ponzano, were cast from iron captured during the war in Africa. The bronze door beneath the pediment is opened only on significant occasions.
Notable interior spaces include the Session room, the library, and the Conference room, famously known as the "lost steps" room.
· Non-stop passage
- 7
Fuente de Neptuno
We will pass by the Fountain of Neptune.
Both Neptune and Cibeles hold significant places in Greek mythology and are associated with sporting celebrations in Madrid; Neptune's fountain is where Atlético de Madrid fans celebrate, while Cibeles is for Real Madrid.
· Non-stop passage
- 8
Museo Nacional del Prado
We will pass by the Museo Nacional del Prado.
Renowned for its extensive collection of paintings by European masters from the 16th to 19th centuries, it is considered by art historian Jonathan Brown to be the most important museum for European painting globally.
· Non-stop passage
- 9
Jeronimos
We will pass by the Parish Church of San Jerónimo el Real, commonly known as "Los Jerónimos."
Located adjacent to the Prado Museum, its architecture is late Gothic with early 16th-century Renaissance influences.
While much of the original structure has been modified and restored over centuries, it remains a significant historical site.
· Non-stop passage
- 10
Puerta de Alcala
We will pass by the Puerta de Alcalá.
This monumental gate was commissioned by Carlos III to replace an earlier 16th-century structure and was inaugurated in 1778.
· Non-stop passage
- 11
Cibeles Fountain
We will pass by the Cibeles Fountain.
The fountain is surrounded by notable buildings including the Buenavista Palace (Army Headquarters), Linares Palace (Casa de América), the Communications Palace (formerly the central post office, now Madrid City Hall), and the Bank of Spain.
· Non-stop passage
- 12
Banco de Espana
We will pass by the Bank of Spain building.
Awarded at the National Exhibition of Fine Arts in 1884, its ornate design was intended to provide the National Bank with a headquarters befitting its crucial role in issuing currency for all of Spain.
· Non-stop passage
- 13
Plaza De Santa Ana
We will pass by Plaza de Santa Ana.
This public square in the Cortes neighborhood of Madrid's Centro district dates back to 1810 and has undergone numerous urban transformations throughout its history.
· Non-stop passage
- 14
Campo Del Moro
We will pass by Campo del Moro.
This garden in Madrid, declared a site of historical-artistic interest in 1931, covers approximately twenty hectares.
It extends from the western facade of the Royal Palace eastward to the promenade of the Virgin of the Port.
· Non-stop passage
- 15
Templo de Debod
We will stop for 10 minutes at the Temple of Debod (entrance fee not included).
This ancient Egyptian temple is now located in Madrid, west of Plaza de España, near Paseo del Pintor Rosales, on the hill where the Cuartel de la Montaña once stood.
· 10 min· Admission not included