How long does it take to walk the Inquisition route in Madrid?

The walk typically takes between 90 and 120 minutes. This includes time to listen to the audio narration and stop for photos at key locations like Calle del Codo and Plaza de la Cruz Verde.

Is the Shadows of the Inquisition walk difficult?

The difficulty is moderate. While the distance is short, the route navigates some narrow medieval streets and cobblestone sections in the historic center that require comfortable walking shoes.

Can I see the Inquisition headquarters in Madrid?

While the original Tribunal buildings near Plaza de Santo Domingo have been largely demolished or remodeled, you can still visit the sites where they once stood and explore the Plaza de la Cruz Verde, where public sentences were carried out.

What is the best time of day for a dark legends walk in Madrid?

Late afternoon or evening is the best time. The lengthening shadows in the narrow alleys of the Centro district enhance the storytelling experience and the atmospheric nature of the legends.

Are there any hidden gems on this Madrid walking route?

Yes, the Monasterio del Corpus Christi (Las Carboneras) is a true hidden gem. It is a cloistered convent where visitors can buy traditional sweets through a rotating window without ever seeing the nuns.

Is this self-guided walk suitable for children?

The walk is suitable for older children and teens interested in history. However, some of the stories involve themes of the Inquisition and ghosts which might be a bit intense for very young children.

Where does the Inquisition walk start and end?

The route starts at the Church of Saint Genesius near Metro Sol and concludes at Plaza de Santo Domingo, making it very easy to access via public transport from anywhere in the city.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Madrid is often celebrated for its sun-drenched plazas and golden-hour beauty, but beneath the surface of the Spanish capital lies a history forged in shadows and secrecy. This self-guided walk invites you to explore the darker side of Madrid’s history, tracing the footsteps of the Spanish Inquisition and the chilling legends that still haunt the streets of the Centro neighborhood. As you navigate these ancient cobblestones, you will discover that the city’s past is not just found in its grand monuments, but in the narrow alleys where the 'Holy Office' once exerted its absolute power. Your independent journey begins at the Church of Saint Genesius, one of the city's oldest parishes, known for a macabre legend involving a headless ghost. From there, the route dives into the labyrinth of the Hapsburg-era Madrid, leading you through the 'Elbow Street' and past the silent walls of cloistered convents where time seems to have stopped. You will stand in plazas where the smoke of the Auto-da-fé once rose and walk the same paths as the accused and their inquisitors. This walking route is designed for those who prefer to uncover the city's secrets at their own pace, away from the typical tourist crowds. Highlights of this neighborhood stroll include the Plaza de la Cruz Verde, a somber site where the Inquisition carried out its final public sentences, and the Plaza de Santo Domingo, which once stood at the heart of the Tribunal's operations. Unlike a standard walking tour Madrid might offer, this experience focuses on the atmospheric and often overlooked corners of the city center. You will learn about the 'Carboneras' nuns and the architectural remnants of the old city walls at Puerta Cerrada. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a fan of local folklore, this self-guided adventure provides a deep dive into the complex and often terrifying legacy of the Spanish Inquisition in Madrid.

Highlights

The legendary headless ghost of the Church of Saint Genesius

Calle del Codo, a narrow medieval passage frozen in time

The hidden 'Las Carboneras' monastery of cloistered nuns

Murals and ancient gateway history at Plaza de Puerta Cerrada

The solemn site of the Inquisition's last executions at Plaza de la Cruz Verde

The historic headquarters of the Holy Office near Plaza de Santo Domingo

Tour Stops (6)

Church of Saint Genesius (San Ginés)

Welcome to the start of your journey into Madrid's darkest chapters. The Iglesia de San Ginés is one of the city’s oldest churches, but it hides a grisly secret. Legend tells of a 14th-century priest who was beheaded by thieves inside these walls. Shortly after, a headless ghost was seen wandering the aisles, eventually seeking justice. This church sets the tone for our walk: a place where deep faith and violent legends intertwine. Notice the brickwork and the traditional 'Madrileño' style, but keep the legend in mind as we prepare to enter the labyrinthine streets where the Inquisition once held sway.

Calle del Codo

Tucked away from the bustling main streets, Calle del Codo, or 'Elbow Street,' is a narrow, winding passage that perfectly captures the atmosphere of Hapsburg Madrid. Its sharp turn gives it its name and provided the perfect hiding spot for those wishing to avoid the watchful eyes of the authorities. In the 16th and 17th centuries, these shadows were dangerous. This street was a favorite of the famous poet Francisco de Quevedo, who frequently navigated these alleys. As you walk through, imagine the clatter of horse hooves and the whispers of a city where everyone was a potential informant for the Holy Office.

Monasterio del Corpus Christi 'Las Carboneras'

Behind these unassuming walls lies a world of silence. This is the Monastery of Las Carboneras, home to a community of cloistered Hieronymite nuns. They are known as 'The Coalwomen' because of a painting of the Virgin found in a coal cellar. While the Inquisition patrolled the streets, these women lived in total seclusion, a practice that continues today. You can still buy handmade cookies from them through a 'torno'—a rotating wooden window—allowing them to remain unseen by the outside world. It is a living piece of 17th-century Madrid, where religious devotion and mystery still reside side-by-side.

Plaza de Puerta Cerrada

You are now standing at the 'Closed Gate.' This plaza marks the site of one of the original gates in Madrid's Christian walls. It was kept closed for centuries due to the high number of crimes and ambushes that occurred in the surrounding narrow streets. Look up at the murals on the buildings; they depict the history of the area. The cross in the center of the plaza is a reminder of the religious fervor of the era. This was a crossroads of the city, where the common folk mingled with those under the suspicion of the Inquisition, all living in the shadow of the old city defenses.

Plaza de la Cruz Verde

This quiet square holds one of the darkest legacies in Madrid. The 'Green Cross' was the symbol of the Spanish Inquisition. It was here, on this very ground, that the last public Auto-da-fé, or 'Act of Faith,' took place in the late 18th century. Those found guilty of heresy or other spiritual crimes were brought here to face their final sentences, often involving public shaming or execution. The name of the plaza serves as a permanent memorial to those who suffered under the Tribunal’s zeal. Take a moment to reflect on the gravity of this site before we head toward the Inquisition's administrative heart.

Plaza de Santo Domingo

Our walk concludes at Plaza de Santo Domingo. Today it is a busy transit hub, but in the 16th century, the nearby Convent of Santo Domingo was the headquarters of the Inquisition in Madrid. The Tribunal of the Holy Office operated from here, deciding the fates of thousands. The palace of the Inquisitor General was also located in this vicinity. Though the physical buildings of the Inquisition have mostly been replaced by modern structures, the energy of this location remains significant. From here, the reach of the 'Santo Oficio' extended across the entire Spanish Empire, making this square one of the most feared locations in the world for over three centuries.

Frequently Asked Questions

For those interested in the darker side of Spanish history, a self-guided walk through the Hapsburg district is ideal. This route covers the Inquisition's history, starting at San Ginés and ending at the former Holy Office headquarters at Plaza de Santo Domingo, spanning roughly 1.5 kilometers.