Touring the Dark side of Madrid

After a few hours resting in my chilled hotel room I decided to get out and about on a walking tour. I picked the latest tour I could find in 5 minutes of searching so I could have a decent rest. That happened to be ‘The dark side of Madrid’. Appropriate to at it starts at 8pm (still not dark). Who even am I starting a tour at 8pm, but that is the Spanish way. Siestas in the afternoon then back at it in the evening when it’s cooler (32 degrees). I’m all for the afternoon naps.

About 20 of us headed off with our guide cum performance artist. Whether historically accurate or pure theatre the tour covered incest induced paranormal activity, a jinxed church, the life of the executioner, a brief history of the Spanish inquisitions, more incest murdering, suicide by sunset and ended with more paranormal activity.

The theatrical effort he put into the story telling made the 2 hour casual stroll through the city worth the investment (in time as it was a free tour). The second last stop provides an amazing post sunset view of the royal palace (touring tomorrow) and the Cathedral. While most walking tours are based around places on the walk, this seemed to mainly (with a few exceptions) a wandering one man theatre production. At first I was struggling to stay awake (jet lag) but his performance drew me in and I had a great night with some single serving friends.Read more