LAS VENTAS
Go there and contact
Spain's largest Mudejar-style bullring offers bullfights and guided tours. A must-see during the San Isidro festivities.
Situated on an esplanade on Calle d'Alcalá in eastern Madrid, the world's largest bullring was inaugurated in 1931. The bullring has a diameter of 60 metres, around which 23,000 spectators gather to watch the show. The bright yellow sand beneath the bullfighter's feet comes from Andalusia, the land of all bullfights. The Mudéjar-style building is punctuated by exposed brick and glazed tiles. Around the arena, the barriers are made of wood. Acoustics are similar to those found in Greek and Roman theaters. To see the most intense bullfights, come during the San Isidro festivities in May or the autumn feria. You'll find the bullfighting schedule in the newspapers.
The adjoiningbullfighting museum features paintings, costumes, posters and films to help you understand the history and culture of bullfighting.
Prices to attend a bullfight are relatively affordable, starting at €7. At this price, binoculars and a hat are a must, so you'll feel a bit far away. The best seats range from €85 to €195. However, if you're not afraid of the sun, you can find perfectly decent seats at around €25-30. As you'll soon realize, tickets are sold "al sol" or "a la sombra". If you opt for the cheaper option, a word of advice: don't forget to take a small cushion to ease the discomfort of the benches (you can also rent one before entering the arena).
La visite avec audioguides est intéressante, même quand on ne s'intéresse pas à la tauromachie. Il est impressionnant de fouler le sable au centre de cette grande arène. Le musée qui termine la visite ne m'a par contre pas conquise.
For or against, that is intégrente part of the life of Madrid.
No difficult image trsop during the visit.
Rather commercial nevertheless! like all this type of tour.