The Making of Madrid
Felicity Hughes
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The Making of Madrid is a podcast about Spain's capital, exploring the city's history, landmarks, and cultural quirks. Hosted by journalist and tour guide Felicity Hughes, it offers practical insights for visitors, expats, and anyone planning to stay in Madrid. Episodes blend storytelling with useful tips for understanding the city beyond the typical guidebook.
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A Walking Tour of Puente de Vallecas 21.09.2026 37minIn this episode, I take you on a self-guided walking tour of Puente de Vallecas: one of Madrid's most fascinating and overlooked working-class neighbourhoods. From its industrial origins and Civil War history to flamenco, Venezuelan street food, and one of the best sunsets in the city, this is a full day out that will make you see Madrid differently.The difference between Puente de Vallecas and Villa de Vallecas — and why it mattersThe neighbourhood's history: from industrial district to shantytown to Civil War battlegroundWhy the M-30 ring road has shaped (and divided) this part of the cityThe story of Robert Capa's house on Calle Peroncel, the controversy over its future, and the wider debate about Civil War memory in SpainBeautiful 1920s tiled facades on Avenida de Monte Igueldo, including a surviving lechería (milk bar) frontLunch at Teke Madrid — Venezuelan street food including papitas de yuca and tequeñosNeo-mudéjar brickwork houses hidden throughout the neighbourhoodThe elegant Boulevard de Peña Gorbea and its 1920s apartment blocksThe statue of the Abuela Rockera — Vallecas's very own rock grandmotherBar La Bombonera de Vallecas — a local antifascist institutionRayo Vallecano — La Liga's working-class club, el orgullo de la clase obreraDrinks at La Trinchera, a rock and punk live venue inside the Mercado de NumanciaFlamenco at Taberna Flamenca El Cotijo — and why it's the best-value flamenco in MadridDinner at Restaurante Puerto Fonce Badón: huevos rotos con morcilla for two at €14Watching the sunset from Cerro del Tío Pío (Las Siete Tetas) — and the remarkable story of what those hills are made fromThe Batalla Naval de Vallecas — Madrid's giant annual water pistol fight every July📚 Quiet Madrid — Felicity's guide to the quieter side of the city🎧 Audio tours of Madrid -
Hemingway's Madrid with Stephen Phelan 07.09.2026 46minGo to any historic bar in central Madrid and chances are Don Ernesto will have enjoyed an alcoholic beverage there. But Ernest Hemingway's love affair with the city went beyond watering holes - though obviously he loved a drink or ten! In this episode I speak with journalist Stephen Phelan about the writers' strong connection to Spain's capital. Stephen gives tours on Hemingway's Madrid so is a great person to give the inside scoop on this subject and the interview covers a lot of ground from the Civil War to Eva Gardner to bullfighting. If you want to know more you can always hire Stephen in person after listening! These tours are run through Fernwayer. Visit the website to download their app. Support the Making of MadridVisit my website and subscribe for a FREE copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebookhttps://shr.pn/tiNHTo support the Making of Madrid, consider buying a copy of Quiet Madrid, my guide to the city's tranquil spaces in hidden places. You can also leave a tip to show your support.Or you could buy one of my audio tours on Voicemap. Sign up for my newsletter to get a free copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebook(visit themakingofmadrid.com if you can't use these links) -
Guide to the Rastro 24.08.2026 26minTumbling down the hill in downtown Madrid, El Rastro flea market is chaotic, historic, and endlessly entertaining. Join me for a complete guide to Madrid's oldest Sunday market, covering its fascinating history from medieval slaughterhouse to modern bargain-hunting paradise, with insider tips on where to find the best antiques, how to haggle like a local, and which hidden corners offer the most authentic experience.Visit my website and subscribe for a FREE copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebookhttps://shr.pn/tiNHTo support the Making of Madrid, consider buying a copy of Quiet Madrid, my guide to the city's tranquil spaces in hidden places. You can also leave a tip to show your support.Or you could buy one of my audio tours on Voicemap. Sign up for my newsletter to get a free copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebook(visit themakingofmadrid.com if you can't use these links)Useful linksOther open air markets in MadridPantera (the 'manteros' union) -
A New History of Madrid with Luke Stegemann 10.08.2026 1h 2minLuke Stegemann's 'A New biography of Madrid' has been a hit with both the Spanish and English language press. An ode to a city he has much affection for, it's a lyrical read that delves into the history of the city from its origins as an outpost of the Emirate of Cordoba, to the heart of a vast Catholic Empire, to its present day as a modern European city. In this interview we tried to cover as much ground as possible but the book is vast in scope so hopefully it will whet your appetite to buy a copy! If you are interested in the history of Madrid there are plenty of short posts on my blog to check out. Visit my website and subscribe for a FREE copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebookhttps://shr.pn/tiNHTo support the Making of Madrid, consider buying a copy of Quiet Madrid, my guide to the city's tranquil spaces in hidden places. You can also leave a tip to show your support.Or you could buy one of my audio tours on Voicemap. Sign up for my newsletter to get a free copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebook(visit themakingofmadrid.com if you can't use these links) -
Present Arms! 27.07.2026 24minThe Royal Armoury at the Palacio Real recently reopened to the public. To celebrate, I put together this episode featuring some of the highlights of the collection. From the cute armour worn by Carlos I's dog to the full suit made for Felipe II's marriage to Mary Tudor, I cover stories connected to the powerful Habsburg family before finishing up with a look at the newest items on display: beautiful yet lethal arquebuses produced in Madrid during Bourbon rule. Visit my website and subscribe for a FREE copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebookhttps://shr.pn/tiNHTo support the Making of Madrid, consider buying a copy of Quiet Madrid, my guide to the city's tranquil spaces in hidden places. You can also leave a tip to show your support.Or you could buy one of my audio tours on Voicemap. Sign up for my newsletter to get a free copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebook(visit themakingofmadrid.com if you can't use these links) -
Gluten Free Madrid 13.07.2026 34minUnable to eat wheat and worried about a trip to Madrid? Worry no more! Event photographer and videographer Gareth Sewell knows better than most about this subject: despite being diagnosed as having Celiac disease a few years ago, he has continued to go out and enjoy the restaurant scene. In this interview we talk about why Madrid is still a great destination if you can't eat wheat, the vocabulary you'll need for ordering gluten-free food, where to buy gf bread and most importantly where to eat out. This episode will appeal to anyone who wants the lowdown on the best gluten-free restaurants in the city! Gareth has been known to do the occasional food tour and you can find him at https://www.gts-life.com/Support the show:Leave a review and subscribe wherever you get your podcastsPick up a copy of Quiet Madrid, the e-book guide to the city's quieter corners — available at The Making of MadridGet an audio walking tour on VoiceMap — including a new Malasaña backstreets tour featuring several of the tile locations mentioned in this episode -
Sistine Chapel of Tile Art Reopens 29.06.2026 22minLos Gabrieles on Calle Echegaray has finally reopened after more than 20 years, and it was worth every minute of the wait. In this episode, I dig into the history of one of Madrid's most spectacular bars and the remarkable renaissance of commercial ceramic tile art in the city during the 1920s.Places mentioned in this episode:Los Gabrieles, Calle Echegaray 17, Barrio de las Letras — no reservations for the downstairs bar, arrive before 1.30pmVilla Rosa, Plaza de Santa Ana — flamenco bar with beautiful tiled facadeAntigua Casa Talavera, Calle Isabel la Católica — fourth-generation tile shop, over 100 years oldFarmacia Juance, Calle San Andrés, Malasaña — an extraordinary surviving tile shopfrontMuseo de Historia de Madrid, Calle Fuencarral, MalasañaMatadero Madrid, Paseo de la Chopera — former slaughterhouse, now an arts centre with surviving tile workChamberi Ghost Station — preserved 1920s metro station with original tile advertisementsTalavera de la Reina — a great day trip from Madrid if you want to go deeper into the history of the craftSupport the show:Leave a review and subscribe wherever you get your podcastsPick up a copy of Quiet Madrid, the e-book guide to the city's quieter corners — available at The Making of MadridGet an audio walking tour on VoiceMap — including a new Malasaña backstreets tour featuring several of the tile locations mentioned in this episode -
A Black History of Madrid 15.06.2026 25minWhat does Madrid's history look like when you include the stories that have long been left out? In this episode, I sit down with activist and tour guide Kwame Ondo. He's spent years piecing together the hidden history of Black people in Spain — from pre-Colonial trade routes and the time of Al-Andalus, through to the slave markets of Seville and the abolitionist movement of the First Republic — to found his company Afro Iberían tours.Kwame takes visitors through Madrid's old and modern city to uncover the Black figures, artworks, and stories hiding in plain sight. In the interview, we talk about the remarkable life of Juan de Pareja, Spain's role in the transatlantic slave trade, and why President Emilio Castelar — one of Spain's greatest orators — had to flee the country after speaking out against slavery.We also discuss what Madrid looks like today: the effects of gentrification on Black communities, the politics of migration, and what Kwame, as a Pan-Africanist, thinks genuine justice would actually require.Useful linksBook Kwame at: Afro Ibería ToursDocumentary about Black Africans in Renaissance Europe: We Were Here Painter and former slave: Juan de ParejaKwame's restaurant recommendations: Dakar and Los Caracoles -
Madrid in 3 Days: The Perfect First-Time Itinerary 01.06.2026 32minPlanning your first visit to Madrid? This episode contains a three-day itinerary designed to give you an authentic taste of Spain's capital city. On day one, you get oriented with the city's historical background, day two covers art, while day three takes you shopping. But nothing is set in stone: alongside big-name attractions, I give you lesser-known alternatives to suit your individual needs: from gluten-free churros to quieter museums for the crowd-averse. Whether you're interested in medieval history, modern art, vintage shopping, or simply soaking up the castizo spirit of Madrid, this episode provides practical recommendations to help you make the most of your time in this compact but culturally rich city.Visit my website and subscribe for a FREE copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebookhttps://shr.pn/tiNHTo support the Making of Madrid, consider buying a copy of Quiet Madrid, my guide to the city's tranquil spaces in hidden places. You can also leave a tip to show your support.Or you could buy one of my audio tours on Voicemap. Sign up for my newsletter to get a free copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebook(visit themakingofmadrid.com if you can't use these links)Useful linksWhere to stay in MadridGuide to the RastroChurros and chocolateWhat to do on a layover in MadridWhen to visit (my article for Lonely Planet) -
Guide to Malasaña 17.05.2026 31minGraffiti-spattered yet elegant Malasaña is filled with achingly cool boutique shops and hidden treasures. Once seedy and even a little dangerous, it's been transformed for better and worse in the past few years by gentrification, making it a safer, yet increasingly chichi destination. While its heart is in Plaza Dos de Mayo, the great thing about Malasaña is that it sprawls across a wide area, so you can explore side streets to your heart's content. However, this can mean that navigation feels overwhelming, which is why I've created this episode to help guide you around the area.Visit my website and subscribe for a FREE copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebookhttps://shr.pn/tiNHTo support the Making of Madrid, consider buying a copy of Quiet Madrid, my guide to the city's tranquil spaces in hidden places. You can also leave a tip to show your support.Or you could buy one of my audio tours on Voicemap. Sign up for my newsletter to get a free copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebook(visit themakingofmadrid.com if you can't use these links) -
Fitness in Madrid with Marietta Sandilands 04.05.2026 26minHow healthy is the famous Mediterranean diet really? And where can you stay fit in Madrid without breaking the bank? In this episode, I chat with personal trainer and nutrition coach Marietta Sandiland about navigating health and fitness in Spain's capital.In it Marietta shares the surprising truth about changing dietary patterns in Spain, where to find the best fresh produce, and how Madrid's incredible green spaces—from Casa de Campo to Parque del Oeste—offer free opportunities to stay active. We also discuss strength training basics, why even 15 minutes twice a week can make a difference, and how to adapt your fitness routine to busy Madrid life.For more about Marietta, go to her Instagram page: @mariettasandi_fitness or check out her podcast The Good FitVisit my website and subscribe for a FREE copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebookhttps://shr.pn/tiNHTo support the Making of Madrid, consider buying a copy of Quiet Madrid, my guide to the city's tranquil spaces in hidden places. You can also leave a tip to show your support.Or you could buy one of my audio tours on Voicemap. Sign up for my newsletter to get a free copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebook(visit themakingofmadrid.com if you can't use these links) -
Where to stay in Madrid: neighbourhood guide 20.04.2026 30minTo get the best out of a stay in Madrid, it's important to stay in the right area. This episode covers the advantages and disadvantages of all the main barrios (neighbourhoods), so you can make an informed decision. It's an honest guide, so there are a couple of areas I recommend avoiding, but you'll have to listen to find out where they are. Visit my website and subscribe for a FREE copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebookhttps://shr.pn/tiNHTo support the Making of Madrid, consider buying a copy of Quiet Madrid, my guide to the city's tranquil spaces in hidden places. You can also leave a tip to show your support.Or you could buy one of my audio tours on Voicemap. Sign up for my newsletter to get a free copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebook(visit themakingofmadrid.com if you can't use these links) -
Season Two Preview 06.04.2026 22minSeason two of The Making of Madrid is on its way! Before the new episodes drop, I'm taking you behind the scenes with a roundup of my five favourite episodes from season one. From the wildly popular "Overrated and Underrated" episode to a deep dive into Madrid's hidden Islamic heritage, literary culture, and the story of a remarkably powerful woman in 16th-century Spain, this preview gives you a taste of what makes this podcast tick.In this episode, I also give you a sneak peek at what's coming in season two: neighbourhood guides, a complete breakdown of the Rastro market, tips for planning a perfect 3-day trip to Madrid, and lots of fascinating interviews lined up. Plus, I explain why I'm sticking with audio-only for solo shows (spoiler: it's not just about brushing my hair). If you're new to the podcast, this is your chance to catch up on the best of season one and get ready for everything that's coming next.Visit my website and subscribe for a FREE copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebookhttps://shr.pn/tiNHTo support the Making of Madrid, consider buying a copy of Quiet Madrid, my guide to the city's tranquil spaces in hidden places. You can also leave a tip to show your support.Or you could buy one of my audio tours on Voicemap. Sign up for my newsletter to get a free copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebook(visit themakingofmadrid.com if you can't use these links)
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Fruity Christmas Special archive episode 21.12.2025 24minIn this fruity festive issue from the archives, I reveal all about the history of the madroño or strawberry tree and explain why it's part of Madrid's iconography. I also delve into why Spanish people eat 12 grapes at New Year along with the bongs from the clock in Sol. This is an archive episode from 2024. For an updated blog post based on the episode, visit the Making of Madrid, there you can also subscribe to my newsletter and get a FREE copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebook.To support the Making of Madrid, consider buying a copy of Quiet Madrid, my guide to the city's tranquil spaces in hidden places. Or you could buy one of my audio tours on Voicemap.
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Christmas in Madrid archive episode 08.12.2025 22minIn this festive episode of Making of Madrid, I take you through the magical experience of Christmas in the Spanish capital. From bustling holiday markets and dazzling illuminations to the rich traditions of El Gordo lottery and Three Kings Day, discover everything you need to know to enjoy the festive season in Madrid. Whether you’re planning a visit or just curious about how the city celebrates, tune in for a lively discussion packed with tips, fun facts, and holiday cheer.This is an archive episode from 2024. For an updated blog post based on the episode, visit the Making of Madrid, there you can also subscribe to my newsletter and get a FREE copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebook.To support the Making of Madrid, consider buying a copy of Quiet Madrid, my guide to the city's tranquil spaces in hidden places. Or you could buy one of my audio tours on Voicemap. -
Saving Madrid's Trees with AmyJo Doherty 24.11.2025 35minMadrid's plazas are being systematically stripped of trees. In this last episode of the first season of The Making of Madrid, musician and activist AmyJo Doherty (sister of Pete Doherty) shares the story behind the "No a la Tala" movement—a campaign fighting to preserve Madrid's green spaces against development projects that prioritize tourism and construction over the city's trees.We discuss the metro expansion that destroyed trees in Arganzuela, the removal of shade from Plaza Santa Ana, the unscrupulous removal of a historic olive orchard for an upcoming Formula One circuit, and the ongoing battle at Matadero. Plus, how you can get involved in protests and support this cause.Follow AmyJo's Work: @piglady72 (Instagram) AmyJo Doh (YouTube)Get Involved in Madrid:#NoALaTala #VecinosContraLaTala #SOS Madrid #ElBarrioNoSeTalaOrganizations: Ecologistas en Acción | El Barrio No Se Tala | Vecinos Contra La TalaWatch: "No a la Tala" Visit my website and subscribe for a FREE copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebookhttps://shr.pn/tiNHSupport The Making of Madrid by buying a copy of Quiet Madrid, a guide to the city's tranquil spaces in hidden places. https://shr.pn/R1bOOr buy one of my Madrid audio tours from Voicemap: https://shr.pn/YjK5 -
Kevin Ingram on the Conversos 10.11.2025 53minNarratives surrounding Spain's Jewish converts to Christianity and their descendants (known collectively as conversos) understandably focus on the victimization of this community. Historian Kevin Ingram shifts the perspective a little by asking what role they played as innovators in modern Spain. In the latest episode of the podcast to coincide with the presentation of his book Converso Non-conformism in Early Modern Spain at Secret Kingdoms bookshop on November 21, we discuss their role in bringing change despite persecution to deeply Catholic Spain. Visit my website and subscribe for a FREE copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebookhttps://shr.pn/tiNHSupport The Making of Madrid by buying a copy of Quiet Madrid, a guide to the city's tranquil spaces in hidden places. https://shr.pn/R1bOOr buy one of my Madrid audio tours from Voicemap: https://shr.pn/YjK5 -
Madrid's Hidden Islamic Heritage 2/2 27.10.2025 18minMadrid is the only European capital founded by a Muslim ruler—a fact widely accepted in academic circles—yet traces of this Islamic heritage remain frustratingly hard to find. From poor signposting to restrictive opening hours, the city council seems to do little to highlight Madrid's true origins. In this two-part episode, released alongside my new Medieval Madrid Voicemap tour, I examine the archaeological evidence around the Royal Palace and La Latina to uncover why this significant history remains so hidden and set the record straight about the city's Islamic past.Visit my website and subscribe for a FREE copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebookhttps://shr.pn/tiNHTo support the Making of Madrid, consider buying a copy of Quiet Madrid, my guide to the city's tranquil spaces in hidden places. You can also leave a tip to show your support.Or you could buy one of my audio tours on Voicemap. Sign up for my newsletter to get a free copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebook(visit themakingofmadrid.com if you can't use these links)
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Madrid's Hidden Islamic Heritage 1/2 13.10.2025 19minMadrid is the only European capital founded by a Muslim ruler—a fact widely accepted in academic circles—yet traces of this Islamic heritage remain frustratingly hard to find. From poor signposting to restrictive opening hours, the city council seems to do little to highlight Madrid's true origins. In this two-part episode, released alongside my new Medieval Madrid Voicemap tour, I examine the archaeological evidence around the Royal Palace and La Latina to uncover why this significant history remains so hidden and set the record straight about the city's Islamic past. Visit my website and subscribe for a FREE copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebookhttps://shr.pn/tiNHTo support the Making of Madrid, consider buying a copy of Quiet Madrid, my guide to the city's tranquil spaces in hidden places. You can also leave a tip to show your support.Or you could buy one of my audio tours on Voicemap. Sign up for my newsletter to get a free copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebook(visit themakingofmadrid.com if you can't use these links)
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Autumn reads with David Price 29.09.2025 28minDavid Price, owner of The Secret Kingdoms bookshop in Madrid takes us through some autumnal reads. He also discusses his personal essay about his love affair with Madrid that was published by Ybernia press in the recently released Stray Cats compilation as well as the Guide to Madrid’s Literary District, a book he and I launched last year.Visit my website and subscribe for a FREE copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebookhttps://shr.pn/tiNHTo support the Making of Madrid, consider buying a copy of Quiet Madrid, my guide to the city's tranquil spaces in hidden places. You can also leave a tip to show your support.Or you could buy one of my audio tours on Voicemap. Sign up for my newsletter to get a free copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebook(visit themakingofmadrid.com if you can't use these links)
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