A Brief History Of Madrid's Ro Manzanares

The Río Manzanares is the river that runs through the city of Madrid, emptying into the Jarama River and later the Tagus. Although the river is small and often has very little water, especially during the dry season, it plays an important part in Spain’s history.

The origins of the river date back to prehistoric times, as archaeological evidence of human life has been found around near the river. During the 9th century, the Moors fought to defend the river against the Christians. Fast forward to the 20th century, where the river was a defensive line for the Republican forces during the Siege of Madrid during the Spanish Civil War as they fought off the Nationalists from entering Madrid. Bunkers can even be found near the river in some areas outside of the city center.

Many artists, photographers, songwriters, and authors have used the river as inspiration, writing poetry, novels, articles, and songs about it, in addition to taking photographs and even painting it. In fact, famous Spanish painter Francisco de Goya depicts the river in a few of his paintings, like La Pradera de San Isidro, Baile a Orillas del Manzanares, and La Merienda.

A painting by Francisco Goya featuring the Manzanares River

After years of construction, Madrid Río is now a destination for families, couples, or anyone wanting to enjoy a stroll or jog along the river. The traffic and smog have been almost entirely removed, and the area is pedestrian-friendly, with walking, biking, and rollerblading paths. There are 17 different play areas for children, and over 9,000 pine trees have been planted along the river. Adults can enjoy the many terraces offering food and drinks, benches, bridges, game areas and pétanque courts. There’s even a “beach” area where you can sit in the sun and run through the fountains when the weather is warm enough. The nearby Cultural Center Matadero offers plenty of events like exhibitions, workshops, theater, and music.

Madrid Río has had its glory returned once again, so make sure to check it out on your next visit to Spain’s capital city.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.