Revolution and Resilience: Madrid in 20th Century free walking tour

Our journey begins with the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera, followed by the forward-thinking Second Spanish Republic, where Madrid emerged as an intellectual hub and battleground for women's suffrage, led by Clara Campoamor. The narrative darkens with the upcoming Spanish Civil War, making Madrid a symbol of anti-fascist resistance, heavily documented by figures like Ernest Hemingway. Following the war, came the long Franco dictatorship, and after his death, Madrid became the heart of Spain's transition to democracy. The 1980s brought "La Movida Madrileña," a cultural explosion with Madrid at its core, symbolising newfound freedom that influenced all forms of art and nightlife, embodied by figures like Pedro Almodóvar.

Our tour will start close to the Royal Palace, moving to Plaza España, the scene of key Civil War battles. We will tell you about Gran Via and Callao, central to Madrid’s media during Hemingway’s time. We’ll discuss Franco’s controversial regime, visit the monument to Clara Campoamor, and explore the Convent of the Comendadoras de Santiago. We will finish the tour at the Dos de Mayo Square, once a centre of “La Movida Madrileña”, today filled with restaurants, bars and pubs - a perfect place to feel Madrid’s vibrancy.

During the tour, we will see and discuss:

• The Royal Palace
• Plaza España
• Gran Via & Callao
• Monument to Clara Campoamor
• Convent of las Comendadoras de Santiago
• Dos de Mayo Square