A few weeks ago we presented you with 10 accessible places to visit in the city. On this occasion we address those unconventional travelers who like to get off the beaten path. For them, we recommend other accessible venues that are not so well-known.
Chamberi Ghost Station
Currently, the Madrid metro is an international benchmark. You may be wondering what it was like in its origins… You can travel to Madrid in the 50s and 60s to find out.
The Chamberi Ghost Station belongs to the first metro line in the city, opened in 1919. It closed when the company wanted to increase the length of the trains, but could not extend the facilities.
The guided tour of the station is free and requires prior reservation. It lasts between 30 and 40 minutes. It is also accessible for people with reduced mobility.
Madrid Statues
Madrid could be an open-air museum. Sculptures such as the Statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree, the Cibeles, the Equestrian Statues of Philip III and Charles III, the Sweeper or the Fallen Angel have become authentic emblems of the city.
There are some quite curious and little known by tourists. For example, the statue of Julia is located in the neighborhood of Malasaña. It represents a young woman who attended the university in disguise in the 19th century, since only men were admitted. This is a real tribute to all the women who wanted to have a career, but weren’t afforded the privilege at that time.
Also noteworthy is The Rocker Grandmother, a bust dedicated to a cheerful Argentine woman who lived in Spain. The lady became known for her fondness for hard rock and faithfully following some bands from the Vallecas neighborhood. The sculpture suffered some mishaps, as certain neighbors misunderstood the heavy greeting and considered it offensive.
San Antonio de la Florida Chapel
Declared a National Monument, San Antonio de la Florida Chapel is a jewel that often goes unnoticed by many visitors. However, some locals call it Goya’s Sistine Chapel. The building is decorated with the impressive frescoes that Francisco de Goya painted at the end of the 18th century. It also houses the remains of the Spanish artist.
The chapel has an access ramp for wheelchair users.
Cerro del Tio Pio Park
It is certainly not as well known as El Retiro, but Cerro del Tio Pio Park offers spectacular views of the city. It is located in the Puente de Vallecas area and has accessible paths to its viewpoint.
Motor Market
Located in an old train station, the Motor Market offers a unique atmosphere for shopping. It opens the second weekend of every month, except August.
The enclosure is accessible for people with reduced mobility. Visitors can find more than 200 designers, craftsmen, musicians and artists.
Perez’s Door
The Tooth Fairy is an endearing fantasy character, the protagonist of many children’s stories. Spanish children often leave their baby teeth under the pillow. In return, they expect the mouse to leave them money or other gifts as a reward.
Madrid has a museum dedicated to this friendly animal, but it is not accessible at the moment. However, you can find its small secret door to access the Metro, next to the Banco de España station.
The gate was vandalized but was recently restored.
Museum of the Americas
The Museum of the Americas is a benchmark institution in the conservation, research and dissemination of American heritage. Its more than 25,000 pre-Columbian and colonial pieces manage to cover the history of the continent from the Paleolithic to contemporary times.
The building has access ramps and an elevator to facilitate entry to its different floors.
Tell us, which atypical accessible places would you like to visit in Madrid?
Sources: Museos Metro Madrid, Patrimonio Cultural y Paisajes Urbanos (1)(2), Ayuntamiento de Madrid, Official City of Madrid Tourism Website, Motor Market, El Mundo, Museo Madrid, Ministerio de Cultura y Deportes
