The bullring of Madrid, also known as Las Ventas bullring, is undoubtedly the most important bullring in Spain and the world.
Its design, dimensions and cultural importance place it as the main bullfighting monument to visit and attend its bullfighting shows.
In this page we are going to talk about the bullring, its history and peculiarities.
Information and history about Las Ventas
1. Origins of the bullring
The Plaza de Las Ventas was built in 1929 on the land called Las Ventas del Espíritu Santo, to which it owes its name.
It is the largest bullring in Spain, with a total area of 45,800 square meters and capacity for 23,797 people.
Its bullring, with a diameter of 60 meters, is also one of the largest in the world, after the Plaza de Toros de Ronda.
Las Ventas is the third largest bullring in the world after the Monumental in Mexico and the Plaza de Toros in Valencia (Venezuela), and is considered by professionals, fans and critics as the most important in the world.
The Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas is also known as “La cátedra de los vientos”, as it is located in one of the windiest areas of the city of Madrid, in the neighborhood of La Guindalera, in the central district of Salamanca.
Historical heritage
The Las Ventas bullring was declared a Historic-Artistic Heritage Site in 1994 due to its historical and cultural wealth. The biggest event that the Las Ventas bullring hosts is without a doubt the San Isidro Fair, one of the events that has established it as the best bullring in the world. The San Isidro Fair was created by the businessman Livinio Stuyck in 1947, when he created a season ticket to see up to 5 bullfights coinciding with the San Isidro festivities. Nowadays, there are up to 28 bullfights held daily throughout the month of May.
2. Architecture and design

Construction design
The Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas has been designed and built in the Neo-Mudejar style . An architectural style claimed as a national style in the nineteenth century for being based on a traditionally Hispanic design.
Neo Mudejar is the most characteristic style of bullrings in Spain.
It was the predecessor of Las Ventas, the old Plaza de Toros de Goya, the first known example of the Neo-Mudejar style in our country.
This work of Emilio Rodríguez Ayuso and Lorenzo Álvarez Capra marked a before and after in the architecture of bullrings throughout Spain.

Exterior and plates
The façade of the Plaza is made of exposed brick with glazed ceramic decorations representing the coats of arms of all the Spanish provinces.
As a curiosity, we know that the coats of arms of Malaga, Cordoba and Huelva are represented twice. On the other hand, Santander, Soria, Tarragona, Teruel, Valladolid, Victoria and Las Palmas are noticeably absent.
Ceuta and Melilla are also missing. that at the time of its construction were only a Spanish protectorate.
For some unknown reason Ronda has been included, although the latter is not a province.

Statues
Outside the Plaza de Las Ventas, statues have been placed over the years in tribute to various important bullfighters in the history of the Madrid bullring: José Cubero Sánchez ‘El Yiyo’, the last matador to die from a goring in Spain (Colmenar Viejo), Madrid Fleming many will be surprised to see Fleming guarding Las Ventas, but the truth is that bullfighters have a lot to thank the inventor of penicillin.
Before his existence, bullfighters not only had to fight bulls, but they also had to fight arduous battles against infections following goring.
Infected wounds represented twice as much of a risk for a bullfighter as the goring itself. Luis Miguel Dominguín, a tribute to the bullfighter from Madrid who went out 5 times through the Puerta Grande. Antonio Bienvenida , one of the favorite bullfighters from Madrid of his generation and who fought the most times in Las Ventas.
3. Bullfighting history of the bullring

Inaugural bullfights
- First bullfight: The Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas was inaugurated on June 17, 1931, with a historic line-up that included bullfighters Diego Mazquiarán “Fortuna”, Manuel Mejías Rapela “Bienvenida” and Cayetano Ordóñez “Niño de la Palma”.
This event marked the beginning of a golden era for bullfighting in Madrid. - Impact at the time: The inauguration of Las Ventas was a milestone in the bullfighting history of Spain, since this bullring surpassed in size and capacity any other existing in the country, consolidating itself as the main stage for the great figures of bullfighting.

Bullfighting Season
- Importance of the San Isidro Fair: The San Isidro Fair is the most important bullfighting event in the world, and is held every year in the Plaza de Las Ventas during the months of May and June.
This fair consists of a series of daily bullfights that attract the best bullfighters and an international audience.- Duration and structure: The fair lasts approximately one month and usually includes around 30 bullfights, making it a test of endurance and skill for both bullfighters and livestock.
- Other bullfighting events: In addition to the San Isidro Fair, Las Ventas hosts other important bullfights such as the Autumn Fair, which closes the bullfighting season, as well as one-off events during local festivals and charity bullfights.

Historic Moments
- Famous bullfights: The bullring has witnessed memorable bullfights that have been engraved in the history of bullfighting.
Among them, Manuel Rodríguez “Manolete” in 1947, considered one of the best of all time, stands out.
Another iconic moment was the performance of Paco Camino in 1964, where he cut four ears and a tail, an exceptional achievement in any bullring. - Legendary bullfighters: Las Ventas has been the stage where the greatest bullfighters in history have shone, such as Antonio Ordóñez, Luis Miguel Dominguín, El Juli, José Tomás, and Enrique Ponce, among others.
These figures have not only left their mark on the plaza, but have also contributed to its legend. - Significant events: The bullring has also been the scene of tragic events, such as the fatal cogida of José Cubero “Yiyo” in 1985, which shocked the bullfighting world and bullfighting fans in general.
In addition, Las Ventas has hosted events of a charitable and cultural nature, such as concerts and tributes, which have broadened its impact beyond bullfighting.
4. Historical events and shows
The Beatles gave a historic concert at Las Ventas on July 2, during their tour of Spain.
This event marked a milestone in the history of rock in the country and attracted thousands of young people at the height of the “beatlemania” effervescence.
Celebration of the AC/DC tour, as part of their “Who Made Who Tour”.
The Australian band filled the square with their characteristic rock style.
The British group The Rolling Stones brought their “Urban Jungle Tour” to Las Ventas, in a massive concert that confirmed the use of the plaza as a stage for major musical events.
The Pernell Whitaker Boxing Evening was held, in which the famous American boxer defended his world title.
Bruce Springsteen performed at the Plaza on the occasion of his “Ghost of Tom Joad” tour, demonstrating once again the versatility of the venue to adapt to different musical styles.