Hapsburgs: This is the name given to Madrid when the Hapsburg dynasty reigned in Spain. This reign began with Charles I, who enriched the city with palaces and monuments. Later, Philip II made it the capital of Spain and the city grew dramatically. The journey through the Renaissance and Baroque style buildings of this era is perhaps one of the most picturesque and representative of Madrid. During the tour, we will stop at one of the most emblematic Cafés of this popular area of Madrid, where you will be offered a drink.
Prado Museum
The building that today houses the Prado national museum was designed by architect Juan de Villanueva in 1785. It was constructed to house the Natural History Cabinet, by orders of King Charles III.
However, the building’s final purpose – as the new Royal Museum of Paintings and Sculptures – was the decision of the monarch’s grandson, King Ferdinand VII, encouraged by his wife Queen Maria Isabel de Braganza. The Prado national museum, opened to the public for the first time in November 1819.
The Museum’s first catalogue, published in 1819, included 311 paintings, although at that time its collection comprised just over 1,510 pictures from the various Reales Sitios (Royal Residences). The exceptionally important royal collection, which represents the foundation of the Museum’s compilation as we know it today, increased significantly in the 16th century during the time of Charles V and continued to thrive under the succeeding Habsburg and Bourbon Monarchs.
It is thanks to them that we can contemplate in the Museum masterpieces such as The Garden of Earthly Delights by Bosch, The Nobleman with his hand on his Chest by El Greco, Las Meninas by Velázquez and The Family of Carlos IV by Goya.
Per Person
Departure & Arrival from: Plaza de España, 7
Closed: 01 May, 18 May, 25 Dec, 01 Jan
Period: Apr 03 – Mar 31
Frequency: Daily
Time: 10:00am
Small Groups: From 2 to 12 people
8C-219 Dufferin St,
Toronto, ON M6K 3J1
Tel:
Fax: 416.979.1800
Hours:
Monday to Friday
9:30am – 5:30pm