Bullfighting has been part of Spanish culture since time immemorial. The Madrid bullring is the largest in Spain and the third largest in the world by capacity. The two largest are located in Mexico and Venezuela. It can accommodate 23,798 spectators and features a circular arena with a diameter of 60 meters.

Las Ventas is the current bullring of Madrid.

Visiting the Madrid bullring, known as Las Ventas, is an essential experience for those who want to immerse themselves in the rich history and traditions of bullfighting. This venue is not only famous for its bullfighting events but also for its stunning Mudejar-style architecture.

Inaugurated on June 17, 1931, Las Ventas is an iconic space that not only hosts bullfights but is also considered an important historical and artistic monument. It has become a symbol of bullfighting culture in Spain.

Capacity, structure, layout, and the Las Ventas bullring museum

The Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas, located in Madrid, is one of the most iconic bullfighting arenas in the world. The seating capacity of Las Ventas is one of the largest in Spain, making it the perfect venue for major events. With a capacity of over 23,000 spectators, many wonder about the exact capacity of Las Ventas depending on the configuration.

The seating areas are divided into:

There are upper and lower tier seats, stands, and gallery seats.

On the upper level, you’ll find the Royal Box, which is exclusively reserved for members of the royal family. The bullring has four levels, and its circular galleries are divided into 10 sections grouped into three zones:

• Shaded area: Sections 9, 10, 1, and 2

• Sun area: Sections 4, 5, 6, and 7

• Sun and shade area: Sections 3 and 8

The Bullfighting Museum of Madrid:

The museum is located within the bullring, alongside a chapel, the bullfighter’s preparation room, holding pens, an infirmary, a slaughterhouse, and the offices of the Bullfighting Affairs Center of the Community of Madrid.

In Spain, the “alternativa” (bullfighting graduation ceremony) is granted only in this bullring. The title of doctor in bullfighting is awarded during this ceremony, which authorizes a novice (novillero) to be recognized as a full matador.

History of las Ventas bull square

The first bullring was set up in 1737, next to the mouth of the Manzanares River. Its structure was made of wood and was circular in shape. The next one was built in 1749, being the first permanent bullring requested by the King, Fernando VI, and its architects were Juan Bautista Sachetti, Ventura Rodríguez, and Fernando Moradillo.

In the year 1860, the city began its expansion due to the increase in its population. It is for this reason that the engineer and architect Carlos María de Castro proposed to relocate the bullring behind the Retiro Park.

Later, in the current location of the Palacio de Deportes, a new plaza with a capacity for 12,000 spectators was begun in 1872.
It would serve as a reference for the construction of most of the Spanish squares until its closure.

 

Recent bullring History of the Madrid fighting square

The bullring arena began to be built during the dictatorship of General Primo de Rivera and culminated in the Second Republic.  José Espeliú and Manuel Muñoz Monasterio were the architects and also responsible for designing the Santiago Bernabéu stadium. The idea of ​​​​building this bullring was born from the bullfighter José Gómez.

The first bullfight in Las Ventas was held on June 17, 1931, in order to raise funds for unemployed workers, and Marcial Lalanda and the Mexican Fermín Espinosa participated in the bullfight.

Furthermore, shortly after and during the Civil War, part of its facilities were destroyed, and it was used as a prison, an arsenal of weapons, and to keep animals.

What to do not far from the bullring Las Ventas 

There are not many tourist places near the Plaza de Las Ventas, but you might be interested in this plan to visit Madrid in 1 day or these tips for your first visit to Madrid.

Accommodations next to the Madrid bull square

In this area, we have apartments for months and apartments in Retiro. We also have short-term apartments next to Calle Serrano and Paseo de la Castellana.