Discover the Hidden History of Madrid and Toledo

Madrid de las Letras awaits you for a unique immersion in history. With Rutas Cultura, the theatricalized routes transform the past into a vibrant experience where historical rigor is combined with artistic performances. Discover Toledo and its cultural legacy or immerse yourself in the Golden Age as you feel each story. Limited places ensure an intense and personal experience. Stop being a mere spectator and become the protagonist of the story around you. - Theatrical routes that merge history and art in Madrid and Toledo - Discover iconic landmarks through an engaging narrative - Small groups for an intimate and immersive experience Become part of history as you walk the ancient streets

1. 1

   Puerta del Sol

   20 min

   Under the Post Office, where the chimes of the end of the year are ringing today, dark dungeons were hidden in the time of absolutism. Forgotten prisoners died there... But there is more : a legend has it that a man settled with the devil in this very square. Soon he disappeared without a trace. Since then, many claim that a door to hell is opened at Puerta del Sol on certain nights. Echoes, laughter and smell of sulphur float in the air

2. 2

   Plaza de Pontejos

   15 min

   The corner where literary Madrid comes alive. Presiding over the statue of Joaquín Vizcaíno (Marqués de Pontejos) —the mayor who brought order by numbering the streets

3. 3

   Plaza Mayor

   20 min

   This was one of the darkest settings of the Golden Age Madrid. Here, inquisitorial acts of faith, public executions and torture shows were held in front of thousands of people.

4. 4

   Arco de Cuchilleros

   10 min

   This is the Arco de Cuchilleros, the most famous exit from Plaza Mayor. It is so named because in the past here were the workshops of the artisans who made knives and tools for the butchers of the square

5. 5

   Calle De Codo

   10 min

   This narrow alley was the scene of a crime of passion: a man stabbed his lover right here, in whispers and shadows.

6. 6

   Plaza de la Villa

   Pass by

   The epicenter of medieval Madrid and home of the old City Hall for centuries. Here the story is read on its facades: from the Tower of the Lujanes (15th century), where legend says that King Francis I of France was imprisoned, to the House of the Villa

7. 7

   Plaza de la Cruz Verde

   10 min

   The name doesn't come from something cheerful. Historically, green-painted wooden crosses pointed to the places where the Inquisition celebrated its acts of faith and executions. This position was one of those places where justice was delivered under the inquisitorial mandate.

8. 8

   Calle Mayor

   10 min

   This jewel of the Baroque of Madrid marked the darkest point of May 31, 1906. After the royal wedding had already taken place in the nearby Church of San Jerónimo el Real, the courtship of Alfonso XIII and Victoria Eugenie was returning triumphantly to the Royal Palace

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.