A rough guide to Bullfighting in Madrid

Love it or hate it Bull fighting evokes enormous passion on both sides of the debate. It is undeniably an incredible spectacle but most certainly not for the fainthearted. Many Spaniards consider it an art form and an embedded part of their cultural heritage. It is said that the Spanish King would demand that Spain leaves the EU should EU legislation outlaw bullfighting. There are, however, many anti-bullfighting campaigners within the county and Catalunya have banned it completely.

Madrid is the world home of Bullfighting although it is widely celebrated throughout much of the country and in many parts of South America. Early summer each year Madrid hosts several major bullfighting festivals. San Isidro during May and June is the world's most famous bullfighting festival. For three weeks there are fights at 7pm every evening in the spectacular Plaza Monumental de Las Ventas – Madrid’s iconic bullring. Las Ventas accommodates almost 24,000 spectators cheering on their favourite and exulted matadors.

For those preferring the architecture and pomp of bullfighting rather than the fight itself Las Ventas offer the Tauro Tour, a fascinating tour around the ring and behind the scenes as well as an insight into the history and future of this divisive sport. Highlights of the tour include a visit to the Patio de Caballos – the bull stables, the Museo Taurino and the Mexican chapel where the matadors beg protection from their saints before entering the ring.

The tour also includes a glimpse inside the Bullring Hospital which has several operating rooms and facilities for 12 doctors attending to injured matadors. Close by is the Puerta de Arrastre leading into the abattoir where the dead bulls are prepared for sale to famous Madrid restaurants.

Bull fighting seems destined to continue to divide opinion but also to continue to be part of the social fabric of this passionate nation.

Loving Madrid apartments are all just a very short metro ride away from Las Ventas which has its own metro station. Why not visit Las Ventas the next time you stay in a Loving Madrid Apartment - http://www.las-ventas.com/