
Whatever your position concerning bullfighting, it is hard to resist a visit to the Madrilean Las Ventas bullring, Spain's most beautiful according to the local population. Built in 1929, this neo-Mudejar style bullring is decorated with brick, ceramic, wrought iron and azulejos (a type of faience tile). One of the building's wings houses a museum dedicated to this popular art form. Here you can see the costume, stained in blood, worn by the legendary Manolete. The corrida season starts in March and ends in October. Rock concerts are also organised here in September.
The Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas is the third largest bullring in the world in terms of size and capacity.
© Tongro Image Stock / age fotostockThe Las Ventas Arena dates from 1931. The Plaza was designed by architect Jose Espeliu.
© Martin Mark Soerensen / age fotostockBullfighters sometimes face bulls that weigh more than 600kg in this arena!
© Tongro Image Stock / age fotostockAs feared as it is respected, the bull is one of the main protagonists in the corrida.
© SEBRelaXimages / age fotostockIn front of the arena stands a statue of El Yiyio, a bullfighter from Bordeaux who was killed during a fight in the Comenar Viejo arena.
© SEBRelaXimages / age fotostock