• Teatro Real - This exploration of Madrid’s slave history starts at Plaza de Isabel II. The remnants of this “business” are still visible in various locations throughout the Spanish capital, particularly near the Puerta del Sol area, where enslaved individuals significantly shaped the city’s development. Notable sites include the renowned Calle Alcalá, which played a pivotal role in the transatlantic slave trade, the equestrian statue of Carlos III, a monarch known for owning over 20,000 slaves, and the vicinity of the iconic Plaza Mayor, once home to the slave market. This tour highlights the often-overlooked black presence in the Iberian Peninsula long before Christopher Columbus.
• Royal Palace of Madrid - The Royal Palace of Madrid stands as one of Europe’s most stunning and well-preserved palaces. Spanning over 135,000 square meters, it has been a witness to centuries of Spanish history. It is the largest royal palace in Western Europe and ranks among the largest globally. The palace houses a significant historical and artistic collection, including the House of the Blacks.
• Catedral de Sta Maria la Real de la Almudena - The construction of the Cathedral of Santa María la Real de la Almudena commenced on December 22, 1868, when the Congregation of Slaves of the Virgin of Almudena sought permission from the Archbishop of Toledo to build another church dedicated to the Virgin of Almudena, following the demolition of the original during the 1868 revolution.
• Iglesia de San Gines - Located on Arenal Street, the Church of San Ginés is dedicated to the French saint San Ginés de Arles. It is one of Madrid’s oldest churches, constructed in 1645 on the site believed to have been a Mozarabic hermitage.
• Plaza Mayor - Madrid’s grand central square is situated in the heart of Hapsburg Madrid, the city’s oldest section. Rich in history, this lively plaza is an ideal starting point for exploring one of Madrid’s most enchanting districts, offering a deep historical experience.
• Puerta del Sol - This vibrant square, positioned at the very center of Madrid, is among the city’s most renowned landmarks. With its semi-circular design, it serves as a crossroads for many of the city’s historic and busiest streets, such as Calle Mayor and Calle del Arenal, and marks the starting point for all major radial roads in Spain. The creation of Puerta del Sol is attributed to Spanish families with strong ties to the slave trade.

• Guide services

• Carbonated beverages

Delve into the lesser-known history of Madrid and uncover the profound, lasting impact of Black communities in Spain. “Roots & Resistance” offers an enlightening exploration of the concealed stories of African heritage, resilience, and cultural contributions that have influenced the city for centuries.

From the significant influence of the Moors, whose over 700-year rule left a lasting impact on Spain’s architecture, language, and knowledge systems, to the often-overlooked narratives of enslaved Africans who lived, worked, and resisted in Madrid—this tour illuminates a past frequently omitted from history books.

Participants will examine the city’s colonial ties, tracing how Spain’s empire prospered through the exploitation of African labor in the Americas and how the wealth generated from slavery contributed to Madrid’s emergence as a global power.

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