![Arco de Cuchilleros (Arch of Cutlers), Madrid](/img/gd_attr/11157.jpg)
Arco de Cuchilleros (Arch of Cutlers), Madrid
The largest and liveliest plaza in Madrid is the Plaza Mayor and you can gain access to it through nine archways, the most famous of which is the Arco de los Cuchilleros. It's more a street than a simple arch between one place and another. Reached by a flight of stone steps, it was once where the city’s cutlers and sword makers plied their trade. Nowadays it has taverns and handicraft shops where you can buy handmade souvenirs, including pottery, leather goods, wood-carvings, wicker baskets and silver jewelry. In one of the taverns you can watch, or even take part in, flamenco dancing.
In 1808, during the French occupation of Spain, a friar named Antonio stood atop a simple metal railing at the arch, preserved to this day as a sort of makeshift pulpit. From there, he rallied and motivated the people to resist Napoleon's troops and revolt against the imposed rule of King José Bonaparte. The exact date of this event is unknown, but it likely occurred in the days leading up to the heroic May 2, 1808 uprising. On that momentous day, the people of Madrid bravely fought the French soldiers with whatever weapons they could find, including stones, knives, sticks, pots, and even blunderbusses.
This seemingly small anecdote played a role in shaping the events of that fateful day. The May 2 uprising ultimately contributed to Spain's regaining of independence six years later, as well as the establishment of its first democratic constitution. The significance of this day is so profound that it is now celebrated as a holiday in the province of Madrid, serving as a remembrance of the heroes who fought for their country's freedom. Among them, the friar Antonio and the pulpit that witnessed his impassioned speech will always be remembered.
In 1808, during the French occupation of Spain, a friar named Antonio stood atop a simple metal railing at the arch, preserved to this day as a sort of makeshift pulpit. From there, he rallied and motivated the people to resist Napoleon's troops and revolt against the imposed rule of King José Bonaparte. The exact date of this event is unknown, but it likely occurred in the days leading up to the heroic May 2, 1808 uprising. On that momentous day, the people of Madrid bravely fought the French soldiers with whatever weapons they could find, including stones, knives, sticks, pots, and even blunderbusses.
This seemingly small anecdote played a role in shaping the events of that fateful day. The May 2 uprising ultimately contributed to Spain's regaining of independence six years later, as well as the establishment of its first democratic constitution. The significance of this day is so profound that it is now celebrated as a holiday in the province of Madrid, serving as a remembrance of the heroes who fought for their country's freedom. Among them, the friar Antonio and the pulpit that witnessed his impassioned speech will always be remembered.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Madrid. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Arco de Cuchilleros (Arch of Cutlers) on Map
Sight Name: Arco de Cuchilleros (Arch of Cutlers)
Sight Location: Madrid, Spain (See walking tours in Madrid)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Madrid, Spain (See walking tours in Madrid)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Madrid, Spain
Create Your Own Walk in Madrid
Creating your own self-guided walk in Madrid is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Buen Retiro Park Walking Tour
Buen Retiro Park, which translates to "Park of the Pleasant Retreat", is one of the main attractions in Madrid. Similarly to Central Park of New York City or Hyde Park of London, this former royal retreat is the most popular public outdoor space in the Spanish capital.
A green oasis in the heart of the city, the park has long been a favorite spot for both locals and tourists to go for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
A green oasis in the heart of the city, the park has long been a favorite spot for both locals and tourists to go for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Souvenirs Shopping Tour
Shopping for souvenirs in Madrid is an exciting and delightful experience for anyone visiting the vibrant Spanish capital. Indeed, it would be a pity to leave Madrid without having explored its specialty shops and bringing home something truly original. With this in mind, we've compiled a list of must-visit locations where you can find souvenirs, which are unique to Madrid and make for... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Miguel de Cervantes' Madrid Walking Tour
The name of the iconic Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes is closely associated with Madrid. The author is known for a number of works, but his 1605 novel Don Quixote de la Mancha is often held as the first modern novel.
Despite being regarded as one of the fathers of modern literature, very little is known about Cervantes' early life. Born in 1547, he had spent some of his young years in... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Despite being regarded as one of the fathers of modern literature, very little is known about Cervantes' early life. Born in 1547, he had spent some of his young years in... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Madrid Introduction Walking Tour
A city of elegant boulevards, beautiful squares, and manicured parks, the Spanish capital is renowned for its rich repositories of European art, portico-lined Plaza Mayor, baroque style Royal Palace and many other cultural and historical monuments.
Although the site of modern-day Madrid has been occupied since prehistoric times, the first historical document about an established settlement here... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Although the site of modern-day Madrid has been occupied since prehistoric times, the first historical document about an established settlement here... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Ernest Hemingway's Madrid Walking Tour
Amid the many writers who have expressed their love for Madrid, Ernest Hemingway is the one who did so quite famously. A recognized heavyweight of the 20th century literature - the author of The Sun Also Rises (1926), Death in the Afternoon (1932), The Fifth Column (1938), For Whom the Bell Tolls (1940) and The Old Man and the Sea (1952) - was a frequent visitor to the Spanish capital.
Here,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Here,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Madrid Food Tour
Spain is internationally reputed as a major gastronomic power and its capital city Madrid attests to this claim, being home to vibrant food markets and multiple establishments serving traditional Spanish food in a soul-warming atmosphere.
One of the iconic food destinations is Plaza Mayor, a bustling town square where you can savor traditional Spanish dishes. The square is home to numerous... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
One of the iconic food destinations is Plaza Mayor, a bustling town square where you can savor traditional Spanish dishes. The square is home to numerous... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
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