Roots and Resistance: A Black History Tour of Madrid
Description
Step into the untold history of Madrid and discover the deep, enduring legacy of Black communities in Spain. "Roots & Resistance" is an eye-opening journey through the hidden narratives of African heritage, resilience, and cultural contributions that have shaped the city for centuries. From the powerful presence of the Moors, whose rule for over 700 years left an indelible mark on Spain’s architecture, language, and knowledge systems, to the often-overlooked stories of enslaved Africans who lived, labored, and resisted in Madrid—this tour sheds light on a past that history books often omit. We will explore the city's colonial connections, tracing how Spain’s empire thrived on the exploitation of African labor in the Americas and how the wealth generated from slavery influenced Madrid’s rise as a global power.
Tour Options
Itinerary
This journey through the slave history of Madrid begins in Plaza de Isabel II. The trace of this "business" can still be seen in numerous places in the Spanish capital, especially around Puerta del Sol area where enslaved people influenced the configuration of the city as we know it. The famous Calle Alcalá that played a major role on the transatlantic slave trade, the equestrian statue of Carlos III, a king that is credited with owning more than 20,000S slaves and the surroundings of the iconic Plaza Mayor where the slave market used to be. Hidden history in plain sight. This tour is the reaffirmation of the black presence in the Iberian Peninsula centuries before Christopher Columbus.
The Royal Palace of Madrid is one of the most beautiful and best preserved in Europe. Its more than 135,000 square metres have witnessed centuries of Spanish history. It is the largest royal palace in Western Europe3 and one of the largest in the world. It houses a valuable historical and artistic heritage, including the House of the Blacks.
333 / 5.000 The construction of the Cathedral of Santa María la Real de la Almudena began on 22 December 1868 when the Congregation of Slaves of the Virgin of Almudena asked the Archbishop of Toledo for permission to build another church dedicated to the Virgin of Almudena, as the first one had been demolished in the revolution of 1868.
On Arenal Street is the church of San Ginés, dedicated to the French saint San Ginés de Arles. It is one of the oldest churches in Madrid, built in 1645 on the remains of what is believed to have been a Mozarabic hermitage.
Plaza Mayor PlazaMayoBarea_1404213325.208.jpg PlazaMayorTerraz_1421930108.135.jpg PlazaMayorLucas_1421930618.48.jpg Anterior Siguiente Description Information (active tab) Services Map Madrid’s grand central square is found in the heart of Hapsburg Madrid, the oldest part of the city. Steeped in history, the bustling plaza is the perfect place to begin your stroll through one of Madrid’s most charming districts but also with a very history.
This bustling square located bang in the centre of Madrid is one of the city’s most famous sites. With its semi-circular shape, it's a junction for many of the city’s historical and busiest streets such as Calle Mayor, Calle del Arenal, as well as the starting point for all major radial roads in Spain. The conception of Puerta del Sol is due to Spanish families who were strongly linked to the slave trade.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- A minimum of 3 people for the tour to go ahead.
Reviews(23)
Kwame was a wonderful tour guide! My husband, our 18-year-old son, and I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the rich Black history of Madrid. He was knowledgeable, engaging, and shared stories and perspectives we never would have discovered on our own. We highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a unique and meaningful experience in Madrid.
This was a fascinating and enjoyable tour that gave me a deeper, richer perspective on the city I now call home. Kwame Ondo is a fantastic guide. His knowledge of Spanish history is impressive, and he brings it to life through the stories of Black individuals whose lives were shaped by, and helped shape, the wider history of Spain. I learned a great deal about people, places, and events that I would never have discovered on my own. The tour doesn't shy away from difficult subjects, but it also highlights stories of resilience, resistance, and change. Kwame presents it all with insight, humour, and warmth, making the experience both engaging and enlightening. Highly recommended.
No one showed after 15 minutes so I requested a refund and went on about my vacation. I guess if it’s less than 3 people then the tour is canceled but you won’t know until you get to the meeting spot and no one shows.
Looking for a plan in Madrid that connected with the roots and interests of my African American girlfriend and her father, both great history enthusiasts, we decided to book this tour with AfroIbérica Tours. Despite being the local and knowing the city well, the journey was a true discovery for all three of us and exceeded any expectations. We took the tour in English and Kwame's work is masterful. He does not limit himself to telling the conventional history of the capital that is usually shared; he bravely focuses on the history of slavery, the colonial legacy, and the Black diaspora in Spain. He opened our eyes with facts, realities, and stories that unfortunately are hidden in plain sight and that the general educational system usually does not highlight. It is a deeply educational, reflective, and necessary tour. Moreover, Kwame's commitment to sharing knowledge goes beyond the walk: at the end, he sent us a message with a valuable list of essential authors and researchers (such as Isidoro Moreno, Jesús Cosano, Abuy Nfubea, Lucía Mbomio, Gustau Nerín, Paco Zamora Loboch, and Sani Ladan) so that we can continue to delve deeper at home. It has undoubtedly been one of the best experiences we have had in Madrid. Absolutely essential!
A must do especially for Afro Latinos. Perspective enhancing. Thank you, Kwame. You’re a gift in this world.
Kwame’s tour is a truly eye-opening exploration of the hidden history of the African diaspora and the slave trade in Madrid, both past and present, and its connections to wider networks across Europe and the colonial world. It powerfully highlights the importance of Black history and the often-overlooked contributions and experiences of African communities in Spain. If you’re in the capital, I highly recommend joining this insightful and educational walking tour.
You should definitely book this tour! An excellent way to complement the mainstream tours with intriguing facts that go overlooked. It was a refreshing introduction to stories and figures that influenced Spain's history in remarkable ways. Kwame was clearly quite knowledgeable and very engaging. He is a great storyteller and made this tour memorable.
Kwame provided insightful and obscure historical on the African presence and contributions to Spanish society from the 15th to 18th centuries. He explained how a small of amount slaves were able to secure their freedom through purchase or demonstrating exemplary talents. During the two hour tour, Kwame was able to guide the group effectively to each landmark, deliver historical content and answer questions. I suggest persons interested in learning African history in Madrid to secure Kwame’s services for it is well worth the price..
Phenomenal experience! Black history of Spain is related to global history and Kwame explains it all! So much research and knowledge that you will only get from this tour! Overall 5 stars!
Thanks a lot for the review.
Kwame’s Black history walking tour was engaging, informative, and truly eye-opening. He brought Spain’s history to life with rich context and powerful storytelling, connecting it to the African diaspora in a meaningful way. I left inspired and wanting to learn more. Highly recommend if you want more than a typical tour.
Thanks a lot for the kind words
