Spain’s Most Impressive Bullrings

Situated along the busy Calle de Alcalá in Madrid, Las Ventas bullring is also known as ‘the Cathedral of the Winds’, because of its windy location. Built in 1929, it was designed by architect Jose Espeliú in a Neo-Moorish style and is also covered in blue and white ceramic tiles, designed by Manuel Muñoz Monasterio. It’s considered to be one of the most important bullrings in the world and is revered by matadors (bullfighters). Bullfighting is still a popular occurrence here and the season runs from March to October. If you don’t want to see a bullfight, you can explore Las Ventas on an organized tour.

One of the oldest bullrings in Spain, along with the Real Maestranza in Seville, Ronda’s bullring was built in the 18th century and is made entirely from stone. The bullring here holds special significance in the history of bullfighting as it was where the birth of the Rondeño style of bullfighting began. It is also the largest bullring in Spain — in terms of the diameter of the sand circle, not the number of people it seats. Home to the Real Maestranza De Caballería De Ronda, Spain’s oldest order of horsemanship, it is also a museum where you can learn all about the history of the sport.

Since bullfighting has been outlawed in Catalunya, they have found different uses for their bullrings. Las Arenas bullring in Barcelona sits just next to Plaza España and has now been turned into a large multi-story shopping mall. From the outside you can still admire the bullring-like circular structure, covered in Moorish-style windows, yet from the inside it’s a glossy, modern shopping complex. Head up to the roof area to marvel at the spectacular views over the city or to grab a bite at one of the many restaurants.

Considered by many to be the oldest bullring in Spain, construction began on the bullring in 1760, in order to replace the old wooden structure that used to stand in its place. The building work wasn’t completed here until 120 years later, making it also one of the more complex and beautiful bullrings in Spain. Not only is the Real Maestranza de Seville one of the most impressive looking bullrings in the country, but it’s also one of the most important as it was here, along with Ronda, where the modern sport of bullfighting began. Even if you don’t want to see a bullfight, it’s worth it to enter the bullring to see its museum — one of the best in the country.