Bourbon Madrid
Home Cultural and social activities Madrid of the Bourbons
During the Bourbon dynasty, especially during the reign of Carlos III, known as the "Governor King", the monumental and urban development of Madrid was completed.
Leaving the bustling Puerta del Sol, where you will find the Casa de Correos, we continue down Calle Alcalá to pass by the Casa de Postas and the Real Casa de Aduanas.
On Calle Alcalá, the fundamental backbone of Madrid, we arrive at the Real Academia de Bellas Artes, a palace built by Churriguera. Nearby, on Calle Caballero de Gracia, you can visit the Oratorio del Caballero de Gracia, one of the grand works of neoclassic architecture.
Continuing on Calle Alcalá, on the corner of Gran Vía we find the Iglesia de San Jose, a Baroque masterpiece of the 17th century. When we reach the Glorieta de Cibeles, we see the Palacio de Buenavista, constructed in 1777 by the Duke of Alba, which now houses the General Quarters of the Army.
We are now in one of the most beautiful and historic areas of Madrid, a short distance from Madrid's famous Arc de Triomphe, the Puerta de Alcalá, and the Salón del Prado, housing Madrid's most famous art collection. From where we are standing, we can also admire Madrid's most famous fountains, the Fuente de la Cibeles, Fuente de Apolo, and the Fuente de Neptuno. Nearby, you can visit the Jardín Botánico, the Observatorio Astronómico, and the Fuente de la Alcachofa, a replica of the original by Ventura Rodríguez located in the Retiro Park.
At the end of our tour, we will relax together in a cozy typical Spanish restaurant, enjoying good food and good company.