Discover Madrid de los Austrias – A Journey Through Spain’s Habsburg Legacy
Madrid de los Austrias: Discover the Old Town of Spain’s Capital
The origin of the Habsburg dynasty dates back to the 11th century in the region of Switzerland (then Austria), but it was from the 15th century onwards that they established themselves as one of Europe’s most powerful royal houses.
The Habsburgs came to rule vast territories, including the Holy Roman Empire and the Spanish Monarchy. In 1516, with Charles I ascending the Spanish throne, the era known as the reign of the Austrias in Spain began.
This period deeply shaped the history of Madrid, which transformed into the kingdom’s capital and the stage for the political, artistic, and architectural rise of the dynasty, giving birth to the iconic “Madrid de los Austrias.”
Key City Highlights to Discover Habsburg Madrid and Its Legacy
Plaza Mayor: The Heart of 16th Century Madrid’s Social Life
Since its early days, Plaza Mayor became not only the main marketplace of the town, selling food and goods from various guilds, but also the stage for many public events, such as bullfights and public executions.
Plaza de la Villa: A Journey Through Three Centuries of History
Right in the heart of Madrid lies one of the city’s oldest and most historically valuable squares: Plaza de la Villa. Here, within just a few meters, you’ll find three architectural gems representing three different centuries.
The Old House and Tower of Los Lujanes (15th century), one of Madrid’s oldest civil buildings, takes us back to medieval times. Next to it, the elegant Casa de Cisneros (16th century), in Plateresque Gothic style, reflects the refinement of the Renaissance. Presiding over the square is the imposing Casa de la Villa (17th century), the former City Hall, showcasing the typical Baroque sobriety of Habsburg Madrid.
Walking through this square is like flipping through the living pages of Madrid’s history, carved in stone over three centuries. At the center of this square stands the statue of Don Álvaro de Bazán, the leading admiral and greatest naval commander in Spanish history. Don’t miss the chance to uncover the story behind Madrid’s oldest square and the heroic naval battles of Admiral Bazán in the 16th century!
Plaza de Oriente: Among Sculptures, Gardens, and Kings
Right in the historic heart of Madrid, Plaza de Oriente is a true urban gem that blends majesty, art, and tranquility. Flanked by two architectural giants—the Royal Palace and the Royal Theater—this monumental square offers visitors a stroll through geometric gardens, sculptures of kings, and the iconic equestrian statue of Philip IV, an artistic feat crafted by the Italian sculptor Pietro Tacca with the help of Galileo Galilei.
Plaza de Oriente was designed in the 19th century by order of King Joseph Bonaparte, Napoleon’s brother, and was built over the old medieval street layout surrounding the Royal Palace.
Today, it’s the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle and reflect on the monarchy’s history while wandering among the 20 sculptures of former kings, immersing yourself in a timeline of royal legacy.
The Almudena Cathedral: A Cathedral Born from Love and Devotion
The origin of Almudena Cathedral is deeply marked by love and faith. King Alfonso XII championed its construction in memory of his young wife, María de las Mercedes, a devoted follower of the Virgin of Almudena.
In a deeply symbolic and heartfelt tribute, the king not only pushed for the building of the temple but also arranged the donation of the land opposite the Royal Palace for its construction. What started as a gesture of eternal love gradually became a spiritual and historical jewel of Madrid.
Though its history is relatively recent for a cathedral—being consecrated by Pope John Paul II in 1993—its unique architecture, blending neoclassical, neo-Gothic, and neo-Romanesque styles, makes it a singular piece among Catholic monuments.
Explore the Royal Palace of Madrid and Discover How the Kings of Spain Lived
Did you know that the Royal Palace of Madrid is the largest in Western Europe? It’s even bigger than Buckingham Palace or Versailles. Inside, it houses unique collections, including a vast array of armors and war artifacts from Spain and beyond, plus the quartet of Palatine Stradivarius, instruments that are one of a kind in the world.
Inside, you’ll find majestic rooms where royalty lived and spent their daily lives—from bedrooms and ballrooms to royal dining halls, private chambers, their own chapel, and dazzling salons like the Gasparini Hall.
Each room had a specific purpose, and more than just a palace, it was a true private city for the monarch. Every corner holds a story and a purpose… Discover the most curious and fascinating side of Spanish monarchy life!
You can buy tickets to the Royal Palace of Madrid on its official website or enjoy a guided tour of Habsburg Madrid, including Royal Palace tickets, with our Madrid Royal Palace & Habsburgs Tour available in your own language.
Explore Beyond Habsburg Madrid: Art, Mobility, and Getaways
Prado Museum: A Journey to the Soul of Painting
Located in the cultural heart of the city, the Prado Museum is a must-visit for anyone wanting to dive into European and Spanish art. Its halls showcase masterpieces by artists like Velázquez, Goya, Bosch, and El Greco, telling stories of centuries of history and artistic brilliance.
Come and discover history told through painting! The art collections are so vast and rich, you’ll be amazed when you visit the Prado Museum.
If you want practical tips, fun facts, and must-see highlights for your visit to the Prado Museum, we invite you to check out our post “Tips for Visiting the Prado Museum” or book our Landscape of Light & Prado Museum Tour for a full experience guided by an expert in your language.
Master the Madrid Metro and Let Nothing Limit Your Stay in the City
Getting around Madrid like a local is easy once you know how to use the metro. This fast and efficient system connects you to the main spots in the historic center, including Habsburg Madrid. Check out our post “Tips for Using the Madrid Metro Like a Local” for more details. With just a few key tips, exploring Madrid will be comfortable, quick, and hassle-free.
The Perfect Starting Point to Explore Spain
Madrid is the perfect starting point to explore other tourist destinations in Spain thanks to its excellent train connections and geographical location. From Atocha station, you can hop on a high-speed train (AVE) and be in Barcelona in about 2 hours and 30 minutes—making a day trip to Barcelona totally doable. This way, you can visit iconic landmarks like the Sagrada Familia, stroll down Las Ramblas, or enjoy Catalan modernism, and be back in Madrid by nightfall.
Start Your Journey Off Right: Discover the Best of Madrid and Spain
Madrid is the perfect starting point for an adventure full of history, art, and culture. Let yourself be carried away by its charm and discover Habsburg Madrid on a journey through Spain’s royal legacy. Dive into the masterpieces of the Prado Museum and experience firsthand how the past comes alive in every artwork on our Madrid Full Day Tour. After visiting Habsburg Madrid and the Prado Museum, you’ll want to explore Toledo on a train trip from Madrid. Join us on a Toledo tour, where the three great cultures — Christian, Muslim, and Jewish — left a unique mark on Spain’s ancient capital.
And remember: if you’re already in Madrid, you’ve started off on the right foot. You’re in the perfect spot to decide where your next adventure will take you. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Sagrada Familia, Gaudí’s magnificent masterpiece in Barcelona, or let yourself be swept away by the magic of Seville — a city where Andalusian culture, Mudéjar art, and flamenco beat in every corner. Seville awaits you for a cultural journey full of passion and excitement!
In Barcelona, you’ll also find a hidden gem: the unparalleled Palau de la Música Catalana, the only concert hall declared a World Heritage Site. Only those who step inside truly understand why it holds this unique recognition. Get ready to experience something that will awaken all your senses!