500 years ago, a simple wild meadow on the outskirts of the then walled city of Madrid became the enclave where the history of this city and of Spain was written. Born from the Renaissance ideas of Philip II and transformed by the “Everything for the people (but without the people)” of Charles III, today the Paseo del Prado and the Retiro Park are a wonderful cultural landscape named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
But what was the reason for this designation? How can we preserve it? How can we take advantage of what this space offers us culturally, beyond just “enjoying” it?
We will discover all of this on this beautiful tour through the cultural heart of our great city.
A walk towards the light is a Cultural Experience that will not only help you learn about and experience Madrid's culture, but will also leave you with something useful that will allow you to expand your horizons, gain new perspectives and better appreciate the world.
PS: We also offer a digital magazine-style guide that will allow you to delve deeper into the topics we will cover 😘
Our Itinerary:
Introduction: We are World Heritage!
📍Cybele Palace .
We will discuss what it means for Madrid to be part of the World Heritage List and how it benefits us culturally.
Part 1: The Good Roman Life.
📍Paseo del Prado / Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
Renaissance ideas as the germ of the Paseo del Prado.
Part 2: The Capital of an Empire
📍Prado Museum
Charles III and his unique Spanish illustration.
Part 3: From the Royal Garden to the Madrid Park
📍San Jerónimo Church/Hall of the Kingdoms/Casón del Retiro/The Parterre del Retiro/The Octagonal Fountain/The Fallen Angel
A garden that bears witness to the power of Madrid society.
Conclusion: A Walk Towards the Light
📍 Popular Library of the Pérez Galdós roundabout
The Outstanding Universal Value of the light landscape and how we can take advantage of it.