Madrid Under Bombardment Free Tour: The Spanish Civil War in the Streets
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Discover the resistance of Madrid in this historical free tour. Relive the scenes of the siege during the Civil War and the impact of the bombings on a besieged city. A profound experience to understand the fate of Madrid today.
Discover how the Spanish Civil War was lived in Madrid, the first major European capital to suffer systematic bombing. In this tour, we will move away from the coldness of the dates to understand the reality of a civilian population that lived with fear, hunger and daily resistance.
What we will analyze in this tour:
- Madrid as a Laboratory: we will see how the city became the prelude to World War II, being the scenario where the tactics of modern warfare were tested.
- Life under Siege: We will talk about the air-raid shelters, the organization of the civil defense and how the people of Madrid tried to maintain daily life among the ruins.
- Propaganda and Diplomacy: We will discover the international relevance of the conflict and the role of foreign correspondents (such as Hemingway or Saint-Exupéry) who reported the drama to the world.
- Traces of the Past: We will walk through real places where the conflict left its mark, connecting the events of 1936 with the Madrid you see today.
This is a clear experience, designed for those who want to understand the deep history of Spain without needing to be experts on the subject.
Meeting point
Plaza del callao, in front of the cinemas
Before you go
- Length
- About 2h 15min
- Languages
- English, Spanish
- Usual start times
- 10:00 (Madrid time)
- Coming up
- 13 departures in 3 months
Questions about this tour
How much does this tour cost?
Nothing up front. You book for free and tip your guide at the end. Many travellers tip around €5 to €15 per person, depending on the length and quality of the tour.
How long does it take?
About 2h 15min.
Where does it start?
The meeting point is Plaza del callao, in front of the cinemas. The map on this page shows the exact spot.
What languages is it in?
Upcoming departures are in English and Spanish. Pick your language in the calendar to see only those.
When does it run?
13 departures are listed in the next three months, usually at 10:00. Times are local to Madrid.
Do I need to book?
Booking is a good idea: groups are limited and popular times fill up. Create a free Tripsora account, pick a day and time, and press Book to finish with the tour provider.
Is it accessible?
The tour provider has added accessibility information for this tour. Check the details with them when you book, and tell your guide about any needs on the day.
Can I bring my dog?
The tour provider lists this tour as pet friendly.
Other free tours in Madrid
- Madrid Essentials Free Tour: Sol, Plaza Mayor, Royal Palace & more 4.9 ★ (2,481) · 2h 30min
- Free Tour of Old Town Madrid and Its Wonders 4.9 ★ (2,148) · 2h 15min
- Madrid Essentials: History, Secrets & More 4.9 ★ (1,743) · 2h
- Free Tour Historias y Curiosidades de Madrid 4.9 ★ (1,644) · 2h 15min
- Historical Madrid: Old town & Royal Palace 4.9 ★ (1,298) · 2h 30min
Accessibility information availablePet friendly
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