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Rebel City: Madrid's Red Thread of Resistance

2.8 km78 min4 stops

What awaits you on this Red Thread tour

Madrid is a city that refuses to be quiet. Beneath the tapas bars, the royal palaces, and the sunny plazas lies a fierce, bloody, and inspiring history of ordinary people fighting for their streets. Join Ian, a political historian, and Lucia, a local insider, as they peel back the postcard-perfect facade of Spain's capital. From the desperate civilian uprising of 1808 to the massive 15-M encampments, and from the dark, hidden basements of Franco's secret police to a reclaimed tobacco factory buzzing with modern anarchism, this tour reveals the true pulse of Madrid. You won't just learn history; you'll feel the heartbeat of a city that never stops resisting.

Itinerary

1

TOUR START

Plaza del Dos de Mayo

The epicenter of the 1808 civilian uprising against French occupation, immortalized by Goya.

Plaza del Dos de Mayo

Pic by Alessio Maffeis on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

1.33 km • 20 min
2

STOP 2

Puerta del Sol

The birthplace of the 2011 15-M 'Indignados' movement and the historic site of the 1808 clashes.

Puerta del Sol

Pic by tiger rus on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

0.13 km • 2 min
3

STOP 3

Real Casa de Correos

Now the regional government seat, its basements were the dreaded headquarters of Franco's secret police.

Real Casa de Correos

Pic by N/A on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

1.36 km • 21 min
4

END

CSA La Tabacalera de Lavapiés

A massive former tobacco factory reclaimed by citizens as a self-managed social and cultural center.

CSA La Tabacalera de Lavapiés

Pic by Nicolas Vigier on Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

Where the tour takes place

Starting point and rough tour area – the exact route unfolds in the app.

Good to know

  • Ideal for History buffs, political junkies, urban explorers, and anyone fascinated by grassroots movements and the hidden stories of a city.
  • Best time Late afternoon. The fading light adds atmosphere to the historical sites, and La Tabacalera is most vibrant in the early evening.
  • Comfortable shoes You will be walking through cobblestone streets and standing in large plazas.
  • Stay aware Puerta del Sol can be very crowded; keep an eye on your belongings.
  • Check opening hours La Tabacalera has irregular hours; check their website if you want to go inside.
  • Pacing Take your time at Casa de Correos to reflect; it's a heavy historical site.
  • Your voucher You can redeem your voucher for two years from purchase. Once redeemed, you have 14 days of access and can enjoy the tour as often as you like during that time.

Your guide

Ian MacLeod
Audio sample
0:000:00

Ian MacLeod

  • Power, Protest & Civic Spaces
  • Scotland

Connoisseur of political movements. Traces the routes of protests and explains the power of public spaces.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the tour after buying?

You see your voucher code right after payment – and you also receive it at the email address you entered at checkout. Redeem that code in the Red Thread app; that's where the tour starts.

When does my access start?

Only when you redeem the code in the app, not at purchase. From redemption you have 14 days of access to the tour.

Do I need the Red Thread app?

Yes. The free Red Thread app turns your tour into a vivid experience: with audio, a map, and thoughtful prompts, it guides you from place to place in an engaging and entertaining way. It's available free for iOS and Android.

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