The Monumental Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas is one of Madrid’s most recognizable architectural and cultural landmarks. With a capacity for 23,798 spectators and a 60-meter-diameter arena, it is considered not only the most important bullring in Spain but also one of the largest and most prestigious in the world.
Its construction began based on a design by architect José Espelius, who did not live to see the project completed. After his death, Manuel Muñoz Monasterio finished the bullring in 1931, the same year it was officially inaugurated. The building is designed in the Neo-Mudéjar style, known for its exposed brickwork, horseshoe arches and intricate decoration that blends tradition and symbolism. Its exterior façade features hand-painted ceramic tiles depicting the coats of arms of all Spanish provinces, a tribute to national identity and the country’s bullfighting heritage.
In addition to hosting bullfights and major events—especially during the San Isidro Fair, one of the most important bullfighting festivals in the international calendar—Las Ventas is also an important cultural venue. Inside, it houses the Madrid Bullfighting Museum, which showcases the evolution of bullfighting through historic “traje de luces” costumes, famous bull heads, photographs, posters, artworks and pieces linked to legendary figures such as Manolete, Belmonte and Curro Romero. Even for visitors who are not fans of bullfighting, the museum is of great interest thanks to its historical and artistic perspective.
