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Roots and Resistance: A Black History Tour of Madrid

4.9 · 29 reviews on Viator & Tripadvisor ⏱ 2h ✓ Free cancellation
Roots and Resistance: A Black History Tour of Madrid

At a glance

Roots and Resistance: A Black History Tour of Madrid is a 2h small-group experience in Madrid, Spain, operated by Afroiberica Tours. Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 29 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $62.80 per person, and free cancellation is available. Included: Guide services.

Highlights

  • Small group of up to 20 people for a more personal experience
  • Free cancellation for flexible planning
  • 6 stops in one well-planned itinerary
  • Wheelchair accessible

Quick facts

Duration
2h
Group
Small group, up to 20 travellers
Languages
English
Pickup
Meet at the start point
Confirmation
Instant confirmation
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Cancellation
Free cancellation (see policy)

Overview

Step into the untold history of Madrid and discover the deep, enduring legacy of Black communities in Spain. "Roots & Resistance" is an eye-opening journey through the hidden narratives of African heritage, resilience, and cultural contributions that have shaped the city for centuries.

From the powerful presence of the Moors, whose rule for over 700 years left an indelible mark on Spain’s architecture, language, and knowledge systems, to the often-overlooked stories of enslaved Africans who lived, labored, and resisted in Madrid—this tour sheds light on a past that history books often omit.

We will explore the city's colonial connections, tracing how Spain’s empire thrived on the exploitation of African labor in the Americas and how the wealth generated from slavery influenced Madrid’s rise as a global power.

What's included

What's included

  • Guide services

Not included

  • NO DRINKS

Itinerary

  1. Stop 1 · 20m

    This journey through the slave history of Madrid begins in Plaza de Isabel II. The trace of this "business" can still be seen in numerous places in the Spanish capital, especially around Puerta del Sol area
    where enslaved people influenced the configuration of the city as we know it. The famous Calle Alcalá that played a major role on the transatlantic slave trade, the equestrian statue of Carlos III, a king that is credited with owning more than 20,000S slaves and the surroundings of the iconic Plaza Mayor where the slave market used to be. Hidden history in plain sight. This tour is the reaffirmation of the black presence in the Iberian Peninsula centuries before Christopher Columbus.

  2. Stop 2 · 15m

    The Royal Palace of Madrid is one of the most beautiful and best preserved in Europe. Its more than 135,000 square metres have witnessed centuries of Spanish history. It is the largest royal palace in Western Europe3​ and one of the largest in the world. It houses a valuable historical and artistic heritage, including the House of the Blacks.

  3. Stop 3 · 25m

    333 / 5.000
    The construction of the Cathedral of Santa María la Real de la Almudena began on 22 December 1868 when the Congregation of Slaves of the Virgin of Almudena asked the Archbishop of Toledo for permission to build another church dedicated to the Virgin of Almudena, as the first one had been demolished in the revolution of 1868.

  4. Stop 4 · 15m

    On Arenal Street is the church of San Ginés, dedicated to the French saint San Ginés de Arles. It is one of the oldest churches in Madrid, built in 1645 on the remains of what is believed to have been a Mozarabic hermitage.

  5. Stop 5 · 15m

    Plaza Mayor
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    Madrid’s grand central square is found in the heart of Hapsburg Madrid, the oldest part of the city. Steeped in history, the bustling plaza is the perfect place to begin your stroll through one of Madrid’s most charming districts but also with a very history.

  6. Stop 6 · 15m

    This bustling square located bang in the centre of Madrid is one of the city’s most famous sites. With its semi-circular shape, it's a junction for many of the city’s historical and busiest streets such as Calle Mayor, Calle del Arenal, as well as the starting point for all major radial roads in Spain. The conception of Puerta del Sol is due to Spanish families who were strongly linked to the slave trade.

Meeting point

The guide will be waiting for you outside Starbucks at Plaza de Isabel II, metro Opera.

- A MINIMUM OF 3 PEOPLE ARE NEEDED FOR THE TOUR TO GO AHEAD

Good to know

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • A minimum of 3 pax for the tour to go ahead

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Roots and Resistance: A Black History Tour of Madrid take?

The experience lasts about 2h.

How much does it cost?

Prices start from $62.80 per person. The final price depends on the date, time and number of travellers, and is confirmed on Viator before you pay.

What's included?

Guide services.

Where does it start?

The guide will be waiting for you outside Starbucks at Plaza de Isabel II, metro Opera. - A MINIMUM OF 3 PEOPLE ARE NEEDED FOR THE TOUR TO GO AHEAD

Can I cancel?

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Which languages is it offered in?

It is guided in English.

Is it worth it?

Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 29 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, which places it among the top-rated experiences in Madrid.

From $62.80 · Check availability