Madrid in the 20th Century: War, Dictatorship & Democracy

In Madrid, history whispers from every stone, but the 20th century resonates with a thunderous roar! Join our tour and buckle up for the ride, as this period swung wildly between progressive reforms and brutal dictatorships. Hear the stories of resilience, revolution, the fight for women’s rights and celebrate with us the city’s vibrant rebirth after Franco’s rule!

It all begins with the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera and then the Second Spanish Republic, one of the most progressive governments in the country’s history. Madrid was then an intellectual hub and a place where Clara Campoamor led women to fight for their rights and was instrumental in securing their right to vote in 1931. From there it gets darker as the country enters the Spanish Civil War, a precursor to the Second World War, with fascist powers on one side and volunteers like the Abraham Lincoln Battalion on the other. Even Hemingway couldn’t resist the drama and came to Madrid to document the chaos! The city was a crucial battleground, enduring bombing and siege and becoming a symbol of anti-fascist resistance around the world. Soon, the country was in the grip of Franco’s dictatorship, which lasted until his death in 1975. Once again, Madrid was at the heart of Spain’s transition to democracy. Soon came the crazy 1980s, a period of cultural explosion known as “La Movida Madrileña”, and of course Madrid was at its epicentre! It embodied the freedom and creativity that shattered old norms and influenced music, film, art and nightlife. Think of Pedro Almódovar – a true symbol of this era! All of this has created the Madrid we know today – a vibrant, modern capital known for its cultural richness, lively atmosphere, bustling nightlife and diverse population.

Our journey will begin close to the Royal Palace, home not only to the monarchs, but also other leaders we’ll meet on the tour. We will then head to Plaza de España, where one of the first battles of the Civil War was fought, setting the tone for the fierce struggles to come. We will talk about Gran Via and Callao, the beating heart of Madrid’s entertainment and media industries. This area was frequented by international journalists, including Ernest Hemingway, who covered the events. We will then explore the long Franco dictatorship, its impact on daily life, the role of the Church and learn why it remains such a controversial subject in Spain. Next, we will pay tribute to Clara Campoamor, a key figure in Spain’s feminist movement. Not far from her monument we will see the Convent of the Comendadoras de Santiago – a place that played a grim role during the Civil War, being used as a prison by both Republicans and Nationalists. We will finish our tour in Dos de Mayo Square, the epicentre of the La Movida Madrileña Movement, where you can still feel the legacy of freedom and artistic expression that defined it. It will be the perfect place to end our tour with food, drink and perhaps some nightlife to experience the vibrancy of Madrid!

Join us for a deep dive into Madrid’s turbulent 20th century history. Explore both the struggle for democracy and the grip of dictatorship. Prepare to see the iconic landmarks as well as the hidden details. Come and discover the stories etched into Madrid’s soul!