Corrida - bullfighting

Spanish cultural heritage: Las Ventas - One of the most important places in Madrid (and in Spain) is Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas. It's the venue where the best-known Spanish traditional event takes place, namely: Corrida! (bull fights- that's right;) 

The building is amazing... and its sense of history - enormous. In order to get to know the both of these better, you should see its interior :) It's not enough to see it outside. 

The tours are always with a guide. Getting inside without a "wisdomman" is just senseless, as you could only stare at the walls in silence. What's the point? :) (what's why it's impossible;)

It's not a museum to walk around and admire it, you do need to lean the history of Corrida. To describe it with the adjective 'interesting' is too little. I would use Spanish superlative form: super interesante! :) 

Have the sample of tourguide info:

• the building represents the influence of Arabic architecture, with its typical arches and beautiful ceramic ornaments. 
• the first Corrida was inagurated in 1931 and it takes place till now: season March - September, in May - every day. 
• in the building there is a hospital - where the best doctors in Spain take care of wounded bullfighters (this place is out-of tour route)

and many many interesting facts, stories..You will get to know:

• In how many countries is this spectacle still popular and where it is already banned.
• What happens with dead bulls...
• When was the last fatal accident...
• Who and when played their concert here... - the place acts aslo as a concert venue and tennis court. 

interior: 

Seating places are divided into sections, in the sun and in the shade. Guess which is more expensive?! :) 

(clue: Corrida lasts max 2 hours and it's in spring-summer time)

Do you want to know where do the king and the queen sit? The king in the royal box (no kidding!;) or sometimes just in the first rows - he likes sitting closer :) The queen? - she doesn't watch corridas.

And where do Real Madrid footballers sit? next to the bulls' cage :) (kidding!) They have their own 'Real box' :) 

The arena - (in Spanish arena means 'sand') has a diameter of 60 meters and it is said that the middle of arena - is the centre of Spain. (I was there!) 

At the end you can become a matador or torero/-a (female suffix) - a bullfighter and try to lift the red cape- it's really heavy! Why is it so? Just against the wind.

and now: ATTENTION PLEASE!

¡the breaking news! 

the bulls are colourblind! 

so...

W h y   is   the cape red??

I will not tell you :) go there and get to know :)

I cannot tell you everything :)

(those who are interested and currently do not stay in Madrid can ask me on private :)

Leaving the place "take the bull by the horns" :))) 

TIPS 

Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas

metro: linea 2 (red), station: Las Ventas

opening time: 10 -14, tour every 30 min.

entrance: 7 Euros

The guide talks both in English and Spanish