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5 secrets of Madrid you didnt know
September 15 2022
The Spanish capital treasures numerous legends that go unnoticed by the vast majority of travellers. So, and given that Madrid hides many secrets, We have selected some of the most interesting to satisfy your curiosity. Surely more than one was unknown to you until today!
Discover The 5 Most Hidden Secrets Of Madrid
1- One of the best kept secrets in the city: the Bonaparte Tunnel: a passageway that connects the Royal Palace with the Casa de Campo. It was built in 1809 by Napoleon's brother, Joseph Bonaparte. Although it could have served as an escape channel for some of the monarchs who lived in the Royal Palace, it could not be so because the construction of its second structure (a bridge that would connect the end of the tunnel with the Casa de Campo) was not completed.
2- Did you know that the Tooth Fairy (the Spanish equivalent to the Anglo-Saxon Tooth Fairy) has its origin in the Spanish capital? Legend has it that this friendly rodent was born in Madrid, more specifically in the central Arenal street. In fact, there under the curb of the Bank of Spain Metro station appeared a mysterious little door about 7 cm high. Although the passage of time and vandalism damaged it, fortunately it was restored.
3- Madrid is home to the oldest restaurant in the world: Restaurante Botín. This mythical placewas founded in 1725 to replace a winery that dated from 1590. Three centuries later, both the building and the oven are still standing as a true gastronomic temple that pays homage to Castilian and Madrid culinary specialties. Not in vain, it occupies the third position of the “essential list" prepared by Forbes.
4- Did you know that in Madrid you can see an Egyptian temple? This is the Temple of Debod: a gift from the Egyptian government to Spain in gratitude for saving the Nubian temples. It was built around 200 BC in Lower Nubia (south of Egypt) as a tribute to the god Amun. It is one of the great treasures that Madrid hides and is located to the west of the Plaza de España (next to the Parque del Oeste).
5-There is a piece of the Berlin Wall in Madrid! More specifically, these are three blocks that stillretain the original graffiti andwhich arrived in the Spanish capital in 1990. You can find this piece of recent European history in the center of the fountain inside the Berlin Park: an urban park inaugurated in 1967.
Where to Stay When You Travel To Madrid?
Without a doubt, your best option to stay in Madrid is our ILUNION hotels.
In particular, we recommend the Hotel ILUNION Suites Madrid 4* located very close to Paseo de la Castellana and the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium; This select accommodation not only stands out for its spacious rooms and its avant-garde design, but also for its 8 splendid rooms for holding events. It also has luxurious suites and a select lobby for meetings.
Book now from only €62!
Also, if you book your weekend getaway in or if you stay 3 nights or more, you have a 20% discount!
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Discover The 5 Most Hidden Secrets Of Madrid
1- One of the best kept secrets in the city: the Bonaparte Tunnel: a passageway that connects the Royal Palace with the Casa de Campo. It was built in 1809 by Napoleon's brother, Joseph Bonaparte. Although it could have served as an escape channel for some of the monarchs who lived in the Royal Palace, it could not be so because the construction of its second structure (a bridge that would connect the end of the tunnel with the Casa de Campo) was not completed.
2- Did you know that the Tooth Fairy (the Spanish equivalent to the Anglo-Saxon Tooth Fairy) has its origin in the Spanish capital? Legend has it that this friendly rodent was born in Madrid, more specifically in the central Arenal street. In fact, there under the curb of the Bank of Spain Metro station appeared a mysterious little door about 7 cm high. Although the passage of time and vandalism damaged it, fortunately it was restored.
3- Madrid is home to the oldest restaurant in the world: Restaurante Botín. This mythical placewas founded in 1725 to replace a winery that dated from 1590. Three centuries later, both the building and the oven are still standing as a true gastronomic temple that pays homage to Castilian and Madrid culinary specialties. Not in vain, it occupies the third position of the “essential list" prepared by Forbes.
4- Did you know that in Madrid you can see an Egyptian temple? This is the Temple of Debod: a gift from the Egyptian government to Spain in gratitude for saving the Nubian temples. It was built around 200 BC in Lower Nubia (south of Egypt) as a tribute to the god Amun. It is one of the great treasures that Madrid hides and is located to the west of the Plaza de España (next to the Parque del Oeste).
5-There is a piece of the Berlin Wall in Madrid! More specifically, these are three blocks that stillretain the original graffiti andwhich arrived in the Spanish capital in 1990. You can find this piece of recent European history in the center of the fountain inside the Berlin Park: an urban park inaugurated in 1967.
Where to Stay When You Travel To Madrid?
Without a doubt, your best option to stay in Madrid is our ILUNION hotels.
In particular, we recommend the Hotel ILUNION Suites Madrid 4* located very close to Paseo de la Castellana and the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium; This select accommodation not only stands out for its spacious rooms and its avant-garde design, but also for its 8 splendid rooms for holding events. It also has luxurious suites and a select lobby for meetings.
Book now from only €62!
Also, if you book your weekend getaway in or if you stay 3 nights or more, you have a 20% discount!