Visit the Arènes de las Ventas in Madrid: tickets, prices, schedules

Are you coming to Madrid soon? Then discover our tour guide of the Arènes de las Ventas, an emblem of the traditions of the Spanish capital!

Located in the district of Guindelera, in the district of Salamanca, the Arènes de las Ventas are also known as the Plaza de toros Monumental de Las Ventas, which is worth the pretty nickname of Monumental de Madrid. Inaugurated on 17 June 1931, they are the largest in Spain, both by their capacity of 2,798 people and by their prestige. The arena is 60 metres in diameter, making it one of the largest in the world. A true temple of tauromachia, where toreros know the glory or the detour, it is especially renowned for its feria of San Isidro, the world's largest, the longest and most elaborate. Visit the Arènes de las Ventas in Madrid will be a great opportunity to learn more about the history of Spanish traditions. Because the arenas are not only the centre of the Taurus world but also a historical, cultural and social place.

So what are you going to discover in the Monumental of Madrid? From its history to the traditions that they embody, through the hours, the practical information and the rates, we devour everything you need to know to visit the Arènes de las Ventas in the best conditions.

History of the Arènes de las Ventas

Originally, the many corridas of Madrid took place on the Plaza Mayor . If several arenas are built throughout the centuries to meet the growing demands of the population, it is only in 1920 that the creation of the most monumental of them is decided: the Arènes de Las Ventas. Built in 1922 to replace the original arenas of Calle de Alcalá, considered too small, “Las Ventas” will be completed only in 1929 and it will take two years to see its inauguration. On this occasion, the Arenas acquired their reputation as grandiose arenas as the sovereigns and the public wanted. For its inauguration on June 17, 1931, a charity corrida was given: eight ganaderos (Turine breeders) offered their cattle and figuras free of charge, such as Nicanor Villalta or Vicente Barrera donated a great show without asking for retribution!

Shortly after, the new monumental arenas welcomed the Feria de Madrid, now known as Feria de San Isidro, the patron saint of the Spanish capital. Standing between May and June, it has become the most prestigious feria in the world over time! All major names participate in each edition. The public is demanding and does not ask for trophies without reasons. To triumph in Madrid, in the grandiose Arènes de Las Ventas, many matadors do not hesitate to take great risks. At the key, it is the triumph, the glory and the cheers of the public or for the wicked, the defeat!

What to see and do at the Arènes de las Ventas in Madrid?

The Las Ventas Arenas are divided into "areas" and house several " patios". Before you start your visit, take the time to admire the Neo-Mudéjar style facade – the dominant style of the Arenas. From the project of the architect José Espelius , which drew the Plaza and decreed before the end of the work, the arenas were decorated and completed by Manuel Muñoz Monasterio. In the neo-mudejar style, he added to the facade of the azulejos – hand painted faience tiles – which are the coat of arms of all the provinces of Spain and other ornamental motifs.

In the building, your visit will lead you through the different " patios" – the parts of the Arenas . In particular, you will discover a chapel dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe and that of the Paloma, the respective patrons of Mexico and Madrid, as well as the essential nursery and its two operating rooms, all equipped with the latest technical advances. Your visit will also lead you to the "Ruedo": the "circle" where the corridas take place. It will end with a passage in the Tauromachie Museum (Museo Taurino of Madrid) which allows you to discover the history of the place and learn more about this tradition.

If you come to Madrid in spring, you can also attend some 24 corridas in the Las Ventas Arena, in the presence of the most prestigious toreros. During the feria of San Isidro, the Madrilènes are related to their typical costumes and find themselves in the streets to sing, fun and dance the scottish, a traditional dance of Madrid. In addition to corridas, many free dances and concerts are organized in the city. Note that several other ferias, corridas and other events take place during the year in the Las Ventas Arenas.

How to go to the Arènes de las Ventas in Madrid?

To visit the Arènes de las Ventas in Madrid, you will have to go to the Plaza des Toros de Las Ventas, located at the following address: Calle de Alcalá, 237, 28028 Madrid, Spain .

By metro

Thanks to public transport, it is easy to visit this historical and traditional monument. Ventas Metro Station is located at the foot of the Arènes. It is served by the metro lines 2 (red) and 5 (green) . You will have no trouble getting to the Arenas from the city centre or from another area of Madrid.

By car

To go to the Arènes de las Ventas, you can also come by taxi or by car. There are several paid and secure parking spaces in the area. Las Ventas Parking ( Calle Londres, 25, 28028 Madrid ) is particularly recommended by travellers.

Schedules & Rates of the Arènes de las Ventas

HORARI

• October to May : 10am – 6pm
• June to September : 10h – 19h

Note : Windows close 45 minutes before closing hours.

The days of corridas, the Arenas close 3 hours before the beginning of the show. They take place:

• From the end of March to the beginning of October : every Sunday
• 14 May to 16 June 2019 for the Féria de San Isidro (windows at 3:30 p.m.)
• During the Féria d’Automne en October

Note : The arenas are also closed on 25 December and 1 January. On December 14, they are open until 3:30 pm.

RATES

• Adult : €14.90
• Students and + 65 years : 11,90€
• Children 5 to 12 : 5,90€
• Children under 5 : free

Note : The rates are the same for night visits during the summer. You can also book a private visit, with a guide. If you would like to attend a corrida in the Arènes de Las Ventas, you can visit the official website of the Arènes and book your tickets there.