Madrid is a city that is rich in culture and history, and one of the most famous attractions for tourists is bullfighting. The bullfighting arena in Madrid is known as the Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas, which literally translates to “The Sales Bullring”. This arena is considered to be the most important and famous bullring in all of Spain, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in this cultural tradition.
History of Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas
The Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas was built between 1919 and 1929, with the purpose of replacing the old bullring in Madrid which was located near the Puerta del Sol. The new arena was designed by José Espeliú and was inaugurated on June 17th, 1931. Since then, it has become an iconic landmark of Madrid’s cultural heritage, hosting some of the most important bullfighting events in Spain.
Touring Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas
Visitors can take a guided tour of the Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas to learn about its history and significance. Tours are available every day except when there are scheduled events taking place at the arena. The tour includes a visit to the museum inside the arena that showcases different artifacts related to bullfighting such as costumes worn by famous matadors, photographs, posters, and other memorabilia.
The Bullfighting Museum
One of the highlights of the tour is definitely a visit to the Bullfighting Museum located inside Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas. Here visitors can see a vast collection of objects related to bullfighting such as swords used by matadors during their performances, capes used for training purposes, photographs showcasing famous bulls and their stories along with an audio-visual presentation that provides a deeper insight into the history of bullfighting.
The Bullring
Another fascinating aspect of the tour is to visit the bullring itself. Visitors can take a walk through the arena, sit in the stands, and imagine what it must have been like to witness a bullfight. The guides explain the different parts of the arena, such as where the matadors enter and exit, where the bulls are kept before and after their fights, and where the judges sit to evaluate each performance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you’re interested in Spanish culture and history, then a visit to Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas is definitely worth considering. This iconic bullring is not only visually stunning but also provides an insight into an important cultural tradition that has been part of Spanish life for centuries. The guided tour is informative and engaging, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of this unique spectacle that continues to captivate audiences around the world.