Madrid: Spanish Inquisition Walking Tour History & Legends

Summary

Walk Madrid’s old streets & hear chilling tales of the Inquisition

You’ll walk Madrid’s central streets with a local guide who brings centuries-old secrets to life — from Plaza Mayor’s public rituals to hidden corners haunted by legends. Hear true stories of torture, exile, and resistance on this Spanish Inquisition walking tour. Expect uneasy laughter, honest questions, and a city that feels different by the end.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect to laugh on a Spanish Inquisition walking tour. But right at Plaza Mayor, our guide Elena started with this dry joke about “no one ever expecting the Inquisition,” and somehow it broke the ice — even as she pointed out where public rituals once drew terrified crowds. The square looks so ordinary now, just pigeons and café tables, but if you squint you can almost feel the nerves that must’ve hung in the air centuries ago. Someone nearby was roasting chestnuts and the smell kept drifting over while Elena described what happened here. It made everything feel weirdly close, like history wasn’t finished with us yet.

We wound through narrow lanes, stopping outside what used to be the Inquisition jail. The walls are just stone now, but Elena asked us to imagine waiting inside, hearing footsteps echo at night. She told us about the mass expulsion of Jewish families from Madrid — I noticed she paused before saying it, maybe out of respect or just because it’s heavy stuff. A couple from Seville in our group looked genuinely shaken; I felt it too, honestly. There’s something about hearing these stories right where they happened that makes them stick.

Later we heard about wild exorcisms — apparently there were “possessed” nuns at St. Plácido, and people would gather to watch priests try to cast out demons. (Elena did an impression of a priest waving incense that made everyone snort.) The Spanish Inquisition tour isn’t all gloom; there are these odd moments where you realize how much myth gets tangled with truth. By the time we ended back near Plaza Mayor, my feet were tired and my head was full of questions — which is probably how it should be after something like this.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Spanish Inquisition sites in Madrid

• Start at Plaza Mayor
• Learn Inquisition origins
• Visit former Inquisition jail
• Hear story of Jewish expulsion
• Discover St. Plácido exorcisms
• See autos-de-fe locations
• Separate myth from truth
• Understand Inquisition's global impact

Top questions

How long does the Spanish Inquisition walking tour last?

The tour usually lasts about 2 hours but may vary depending on your guide and group.

Is the Madrid Spanish Inquisition tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces visited on this tour are wheelchair accessible.

Where does the Spanish Inquisition walking tour start?

The tour begins at Plaza Mayor in central Madrid.

Are children allowed on this Madrid history tour?

Yes, children up to 13 years old can join for free; ID may be required for age verification.

What will I see on the day trip?

You’ll visit Plaza Mayor, former jail sites, locations tied to exorcisms and public rituals linked to the Spanish Inquisition.

Is transportation included in this walking tour?

No transportation is included; public transport options are available nearby if needed.

What’s included

Your experience includes a guided walk through Madrid’s key historical sites connected to the Spanish Inquisition with a knowledgeable local guide leading each stop along the way.