Visit the Las Ventas bullring in Madrid

These arenas, built in the last century, have been hosting bullfights since 1931, when they were completed. They are the largest in Spain.

If you don’t like bullfighting, the bullring can also be visited every day with a guide outside the bullfighting shows. As well as the bullring, you can visit the museum, the chapel and the infirmary.

Whether you simply want to discover the architecture of the building or find out more about bullfighting, one of the pillars of Spanish culture, a visit to Madrid’s Ventas bullring is a must when you’re in Madrid.

The las ventas bullring

At 60 metres in diameter, the Las Ventas bullring is the largest in Spain and the 3rd largest in the world. In terms of capacity, the first two are in Mexico and Venezuela respectively. The arenas are neo-Mudejar in style.

What is the neo-Mudejar style?

It is Moorish-style architecture, but is considered a national style in Spain, as it is based above all on a typically Spanish style.

It appeared at the end of the 19th century and then spread throughout the country. For the artists who practised it, it was a Spanish art form that was characteristic and exclusive to the Iberian Peninsula. It is represented in particular by the horseshoe arches, arabesque tiles and brickwork that you will find at the Las Ventas bullring.

What can you do at the Las Ventas bullring?

• A 360° virtual reality reconstruction gives you the impression of being at the San Isidro festival, held in mid-May, where the giants and the big heads parade. Groups dance the chotis, a dance typical of this festival, others give concerts, and of course the traditional religious ceremonies are never far away in Spain, with the blessing of the water from the fountain and the consecration to the Saint in honour of San Isidro.
• You can also watch a virtual bullfight.
• Visit the bullring with an audioguide or guided tour (visit in French on request): the main gate, the terraces and stands, the bullring, the train gate, the chapel, the matador’s team gate and the museum.
• Dramatised visit to the bullring.
• Visit with toreo de salon demonstration + tour of the bullring.

The Bullfighting Museum – Las Ventas Bullring

This museum displays posters, paintings and sculptures on the subject of bullfighting, helping visitors to better understand the role and importance of what is considered an art form in Spain, from a historical and cultural point of view, as well as tracing the history of the bullring.

History of the Las Ventas bullring in Madrid

There were already bullrings in Madrid, but the popularity of bullfighting in Spain meant that they soon became too small to accommodate the growing number of spectators who wanted to attend bullfights.

Construction work on the new arena began in 1922 and was completed in 1931, when it was inaugurated. Its name comes from the place where it was built: Las Ventas del Espíritu Santo (“The Sales of the Holy Spirit”). Every year, some of the biggest names in bullfighting come to compete in Las Ventas in front of a demanding audience that knows the business inside out. These arenas are a veritable institution in the world of bullfighting.

Prices for the Las Ventas bullring in 2022

• Full price: €14.90
• Students and pensioners: €11.90
• < Under 12s: €5.90
• < Under 5s: Free

The price includes audioguide hire.