Highlights / General details
Discover in this walking tour the most emblematic buildings from the Renaissance and Baroque period of Madrid. Habsburg is the name given to Madrid when the Habsburg dynasty reigned in Spain. This reign began with Charles I, who enriched the city with palaces and monuments. Later on, Philip II made it the capital of Spain and the city grew dramatically.

The journey through the Renaissance and Baroque style buildings of this era is perhaps one of the most picturesque and representative of Madrid. During the tour, we will stop at one of the most emblematic Cafés of this popular area of Madrid, where you will be offered a drink.

The building that today houses the Museo Nacional Del Prado was designed by architect Juan de Villanueva in 1785. It was constructed to house the Natural History Cabinet, by orders of King Charles III. However, the building's final purpose - as the new Royal Museum of Paintings and Sculptures - was the decision of the monarch's grandson, King Ferdinand VII, encouraged by his wife Queen Maria Isabel de Braganza.

The National Museum Del Prado, opened to the public for the first time in November 1819. The Museum's first catalogue, published in 1819, included 311 paintings, although at that time its collection comprised just over 1,510 pictures from the various Reales Sitios (Royal Residences). The exceptionally important royal collection, which represents the foundation of the Museum's collection as we know it today, started to increase significantly in the 16th century during the time of Charles V and continued to thrive under the succeeding Habsburg and Bourbon Monarchs.

It is down to them than nowadays we can contemplate in the Museum as greatest masterpieces as The Garden of Earthly Delights by Bosch, The Nobleman with his hand on his Chest by El Greco, Las Meninas by Velázquez and The Family of Carlos IV by Goya.

The visit will take place in chronological order, starting with the exhibit hall where the masterpieces of J. Bosch (El Bosco) (1450-1516): The Table of the 7 Deadly Sins, The Hay Wain, The temptations of San Antonio, The Stone of Madness and The Garden of Delights, to continue with the rooms devoted to the Greco (1540-1614): The gentleman's hand on his chest, The Trinity, Christ embraced the cross and The Annunciation. Velázquez (1599-1660): The Worship, Drunkards, Equestrian Portraits, the Forge of Vulcan, The Christ, The spinners, Spears and Las Meninas, ending with Goya (1746-1828): The family of Carlos IV Pictures, The Shootings of May 2, Pestles and Black Paintings.

Inclusion
Bilingual official guide; Free drink at an emblematic café during the tour; Entrance and guided tour to Prado Museum. Valid ticket for 1 day, until closing time.

Exclusion
Hotel pickup and drop-off; Food and drinks, unless specified; Other services not specified; Gratuity.

Hours of operation
Available at 10:00am daily from March to October and Wednesday from November to March.

Duration
Approximately 3.5 hours.

Location
Tour departs from and returns to San Nicolás Street nº15, Madrid.

Additional Information
Please be aware that this is a walking tour, we kindly advise you to use comfortable clothes and shoes and come prepared for some walking.

Policies
There is a minimum of 2 passengers required for this booking.
Cancellation: 3 days prior 100% penalty. No show 100% penalty.
Complete information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, will be included on your Confirmation Voucher.

**All information requested must be supplied or booking is subject to automatic cancellation**