About this tour
A walking tour through Madrid exploring Spain's Inquisition era, examining how religious persecution shaped the nation's history. Over two hours and fifteen minutes, you'll trace the expulsion of Jews and Muslims, the machinery of the Inquisition courts, and the Vatican's later acknowledgment of these crimes. The tour extends into modern times, revealing how Spain's last execution by garrote occurred as recently as 1974. A local guide leads you through streets and sites where these events unfolded, armed with historical documents and teaching materials.
Highlights
- Vatican archives and John Paul II's formal apology for Inquisition crimes
- Terminology of persecution: Marranos, Moors, and forced conversions
- Inquisition courts as centres of torture and public execution
- Spain's final execution by garrote in 1974
- Expulsion edicts and their impact on Jewish and Muslim communities
- Walking route through Madrid's historical Inquisition sites
What to expect
Your guide will walk you through Madrid's streets, stopping at locations central to the Inquisition's operation and legacy. You'll examine how religious courts functioned as instruments of terror, learn the etymology and lived experience of those termed Marranos and Moors, and confront the scale of state-sanctioned violence. The tour doesn't shy from detail—torture methods, public executions, and the machinery of fear are discussed openly. A significant portion addresses the Church's formal reckoning with this history and Spain's surprisingly recent brush with capital punishment, connecting medieval atrocities to twentieth-century state violence.
Good to know
No entry fees required for the walking tour itself. Printed materials and teaching aids are provided. Your guide remains available for questions and recommendations after the tour concludes. Tips are voluntary and given at the end. The route is fully wheelchair accessible with flat surfaces throughout. Bring water and comfortable shoes.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.