Desserts

Desserts

If wanting to complete the experience of Madrid at your Feet, you can choose to add a succulent dessert of various textures and intensities, that of course can be enjoyed on their own. On these routes you will find fascinating stories, secret corners, art and amazing architectures that have shaped Madrid to this day, and will leave you with a lasting taste for our city and its people.

Retiro Park: an oasis full of secrets

Retiro Park owes its name to the main activity that is still carried out in it, and for which it was conceived: a recreational place relatively far from the hustle and bustle of the city… Today it is part of the historic center of Madrid, however, the area that occupies this charming and secluded park, was a bucolic and country character site back in the time of the Catholic Monarchs. It was here when in the first half of the 17th century the Buen Retiro Palace, now disappeared, was built along with the ponds, pavilions, fountains, walks, amazing sculptures and fantasy gardens that characterize it. It was one of the places preferred by the different royal families for their leisure periods, although at that time only the Court had access to the park. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the Retiro Park was scenario of various historical episodes, and witness to the political and economic changes that were taking place in Madrid. Evidencing a social order that was becoming obsolete, little by little the general public was given access to the park, until in 1868 it became the property of Madrid’s City Council. Today, many madrileños and also visitors continue to enjoy the beauty and placidity of Retiro Park: walking, sporting, dancing, listening to music, visiting exhibitions o simply passing through. However, the historical and artistic secrets that still hide in the palaces, pavilions and gardens remain oblivious for most people.

Duration: 2 hours
Lenght: 3,5 km
This route is at its best at 6 pm, but Madrid at your Feet is flexible and adapts to you. Book your place or ask more questions here.

20th century starring: Gran Vía de Madrid

The Gran Vía is one of the main avenues of Madrid that crosses the historic center of the capital, although its creation is the result of the 20th century’s spirit of modernity. Designed in the 1910s to communicate east and west sides of the center of Madrid, its construction lasted until the 1950s, a period of time that included a Civil War that paralyzed the country, and two World Wars during which Madrid remained as a neutral place. The construction of the Gran Vía involved the demolition or renovation of the old streets and buildings of the historic center, but in exchange the most powerful bankers and companies of the moment hired the best architects to design imposing buildings for luxury homes or brand-new offices. The historical development of the Gran Vía starts from the east, where the Victory of the Metropolis Building (actually addressed in Calle de Alcalá) rises triumphantly, and it grows to the west accompanied by the artistic and architectural changes of each era. So that the walker crossing Gran Vía can admire art nouveau combined with points of neoclassicism, following bold and visual art déco designs, touches of surrealism and even icons of postmodernity, until reaching Plaza de España to the west. The superb architecture used to be seasoned with the appearances of 20th century celebrities, out and about in the cocktail-bars and cafes of the time, plus numerous theaters, cinemas, luxury hotels and boîtes in the surrounding areas. All of these put Madrid's Gran Vía on the spot light; today, a century later, it still looks eclectic, alive and renewed, and continues making the days and nights of Madrid’s locals and visitors.

Duration: 2 h
Lenght: 2 km
This route is at its best at 6 pm, but Madrid at your Feet is flexible and adapts to you. Book your place or ask more questions here.
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