A south to north crossing of Madrid’s historical town center. An ideal itinerary for enjoying Madrid’s history and its best monuments without hassle.

We start from the Egyptian Temple of Debod between the Parque del Oeste (west park) and the Principe Pio railway station.

 Then we approach the Royal Palace, built in the XVIII century on the ruins of the moorish alcazar. This is perhaps the oldest site of Madrid, where the town walls once stood, (In excavation currently) overlooking the Magerit Ravine (possibly the origin of the name Madrid).

From the Palace we make our way to the Plaza Santiago and then into the Plaza Mayor, an arcaded square begun in the XVI Century where some of the key moments of Madrid’s history have taken place. (Inquisitorial hearings, parades, markets, public executions.)

From here we head to the Plaza Santa Ana a well-known meeting place with beer halls and sidewalk cafes. We are now in the “barrio de literatos” (thus called having been the center of writers, and artists at different times in the past.)Here we can see where some mythical figures of our city once lived.

To end our route we will pass between the Botanical Garden and the Prado Museum to end in the Retiro, our Central Park.

The renowned literary character created by Arturo Pérez Reverte, leads us into the cloak and dagger Madrid of the XVII Century, it’s monuments and the amusing stories of the Alatriste novels.

The route begins in the Plaza de Oriente where the old Alcazar of the Austrias’ particularly of Felipe IV once stood. It has given us many tales of courtly intrigue. We will also remember the Conde Duque de Olivares whose house we will see on our ride.

From there our ride takes us to the Convento of La Encarnación a singular historic monument then and now.

The Plaza de la Opera opens the door to the Madrid of the “Siglo de Oro” or golden Century, with narrow and winding streets where at any corner one can imagine a swordsmen, writer, or other characters of the time.

Now on to the Plaza Mayor, crossing the Calle Mayor, Gossip center of the times where rumors and Kings ran a Lightning Speed.

Then the medieval plazas (Plaza de la Cebada, Plaza de los Carros), And the barrio de la Latina one of Madrid’s most lively places.

Returning to our starting point by way of the Calle Mayor, where Mateo Morral attempted to assassinate the King Alfonso XIII, finally finishing in the Royal Palace.

The Manzanares river is increasingly becoming an important hub for the city. The area where we will bike has been recently and dramatically modified to become what is now Madrid Rio.

We will enjoy the traditional paths that permitted Madrid’s citizens access to the “Casa de Campo”, the “Carabancheles and Villaverde,” to travel out from Madrid via railway, to use the river for leisure, bathing and picnicking, or the traditional chores of older times such as washing or river transport.

Madrid’s history is written on these paths, and through them we will learn more about the city, it’s history and evolution.

The Banks of the Manzanares River in it’s passing through the city of Madrid have witnessed extreme transformation in the XIX and XX th. Centuries. They are a reflection of the rivers use and meaning for the different generations of Madrileños. (A means of transportation, an obstacle to overcome, a place of leisure)

They alsolet us see the different uses as it crosses suburburban, industrial or residential landscapes.The last of these transformations permits us to bike this area, to easily cross from side to side and to close the gap that once divided the city’s neighborhoods.

It will allow us to understand recent history and how the town was built, into what is today; it’s neighborhoods, streets, buildings, Parks and Bridges.

We will be able to see close up the work of many internationally famous architects. Their buildings are to the cities its reference points and landmarks much as Miro’s or Picasso’s Works are to the museums.

We will also enjoy the bike path, which has become the backbone of the city’s Southeast for bikers.

Madrid was the insurgent’s main objective from the start of the military uprising in July 1936. It was the seat of Government and also the city with the largest population. For this reason it is no surprise that in November of that year our city saw some of the bloodiest scenes of the war.

In the planned itinerary we will visit some of the sites where the battle took place, in particular along the Manzanares River, this being the best place for biking.