Las Ventas is the third largest Arena in the world, the Spanish Colosseum. The designer of this grandiose building is Jose Espelius, who did not get to see its completion, so the construction of the Spanish arena was completed by Manuel Munoz, entirely according to the project and the wishes of the original architect. The arena was completed and opened in 1931. The arena has a capacity of as many as 24.000 seats, with a diameter of 196 feet, which makes it the largest in the whole world, after the arenas from Mexico and Venezuela.
The style in which the arena was built is the Spanish neo-mudejar style, and each tile built into the arena’s stone is hand-painted. There is a museum dedicated to the history of bullfighting in the arena, the museum is often visited, as well as first aid clinics in case of injury during the competition. Also, there are two small chapels, for prayer before the competition. One is dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe, and the other to the Virgin of Paloma, who are the patrons of both Mexico and Madrid. There are also cultural halls here, a library with over 2000 books, in which various cultural events are held throughout the year.
This building is considered a historical artistic monument, because it is truly a great work of art. Visits to the Madrid Bullring are possible with a guide, or with an audio guide, every day, except when the competition is taking place. The offices in the Arena, where tickets can be purchased to tour the arena or to watch the bullfight, are open every day.
Author of the text:
Maja Glavaš, Bachelor with Honours in Communicology. Works in Tourism.
Contact: [email protected]; instagram: travel_europe1
photo credit: Mark Neal
