Plaza de Toros Monumental de Las Ventas

The Plaza de Toros Monumental de Las Ventas (often known simply as Las Ventas) is not the most beautiful bullring in the world – that honour probably goes to Ronda in Andalucía – but it is the most important. A classic example of the neo- mudéjar style, it was opened in 1931 and hosted its first corrida (bullfight) three years later. Like all bullrings, the circle of sand enclosed by four storeys, which can seat up to 25, 000 spectators, evokes more a sense of a theatre than a sports stadium; it also hosts concerts; see p210. To be carried high on the shoulders of aficionados out through the grand and decidedly Moorish Puerta de Madrid is the ultimate dream of any torero (bullfighter) – if you’ve made it at Las Ventas, you’ve reached the pinnacle of the bullfighting world. The gate is known more colloquially as the gate of glory. If your curiosity is piqued, wander into the Museo Taurino, and check out the collection of paraphernalia, costumes, photos and other bullfighting memorabilia up on the top floor above one of the two courtyards by the ring. There are guided tours of the museum from 10am to 2pm from Tuesday to Friday. The area where the Plaza de Toros is located is known as Las Ventas because, in times gone by, several wayside taverns (ventas), along with houses of ill repute, were to be found here.