THE PRADO MUSEUM PRIVATE JEWISH TOUR

Discover the Prado Museum Jewish Secrets and the Footprints of Jewish Madrid

Embark on an exclusive experience with our Hebrew Tour of the Prado Museum. Led by Irina Karasenko, licensed guide and director of Madrid Museum Tours, this private tour invites you to dive deep into the famous Jewish paintings of the Prado Museum and uncover the hidden Jewish symbolism within the masterpieces created by Spain’s renowned Golden Age painters.

Through this carefully curated journey, you’ll gain profound insights into the Jewish-themed artworks housed at the Prado Museum—knowledge that would be nearly impossible to acquire on your own.

Irina Karasenko shares her well known empathy and erudition to reveal the intricate details and captivating stories behind these unique masterpieces of the art of painting in the Prado Museum.

Join us for this essential private tour and discover the Prado’s rich legacy of Jewish art and culture.

This link takes you to our Prado Museum Private Jewish Tour website.

PRIVATE WALK-THROUGH JEWISH MADRID

An Unparalleled Discovery and Experience: The Footprints of Jewish Madrid Walking Tour

Would you like to complement your Prado Museum Private Jewish Tour with a private walk-through Jewish Madrid? Uncover the Jewish heritage Madrid through a meticulously designed itinerary based on the exhaustive research of Irina Karasenko.

This private tour is divided into six stages, allowing you to learn about the history and legacy of the Sephardic population in Madrid.

Stage 1: Origins of Jews in Madrid

• Everyday Life in Medieval Madrid: Explore how Jews and Christians coexisted in medieval Madrid after the 1202 regulations of Alfonso VIII.
• Social Strata: Learn about the various social classes within the Jewish community in Madrid—from skilled craftsmen to influential nobles.
• Cultural Contributions: Find out the significant cultural contributions of “new Christians” to Madrid’s arts and letters.
• Medieval Real Estate: Stroll through the areas of medieval Madrid where Jews purchased homes and vineyards from Christians.

Stage 2: The First Jewish Quarter of Madrid – Life and Tragic End

• The Old Jewish Quarter: Walk through the site of Madrid’s first Jewish quarter and learn about its brief existence, marked by the tragic massacres of the Jewish population in 1391.
• Inciters and Rescuers: Discover the names of those who incited these brutal acts and those who endeavored to prevent them.

Stage 3: The Second Jewish Quarter of Madrid – The Castilian Law of Segregation

• Resettlement: Explore the areas where Madrid’s second Jewish quarter was established by order of the Madrid Council, finishing the integration of Jews and Christians between 1391 and 1481.
• Everyday Hardship: Understand why the inhabitants of this second Jewish quarter lived modestly, bordering on poverty.

Stage 4: Traces of Jewish Nobility and Conversos

• Influence on Society: Uncover the impact of wealthy Sephardic Converts on the kingdoms of Castile, León, and Aragon, and learn how they were rewarded for their services.
• Visible Proof of Power: Admire the compelling evidence that Irina Karasenko will show you during the private walk, highlighting the power and wealth of the Jewish nobility in Madrid.

Stage 5: The Residence of Prominent Jews and Converts in Madrid

• Everyday Life and Economic Impact: Discover what daily life was like for Jews and Christians living side by side, and appreciate the cultural, economic, and social influence of the Sephardic Community in Madrid.
• Footprints of Trades: Follow the clues left by Jewish brass workers, ragpickers, spice merchants, tailors, and butchers, among other trades.
• Medieval Medical Pioneers: Learn about illustrious Sephardic physicians in Madrid who practiced alongside Christian scholars.
• Artistic and Literary Descendants: Uncover the many notable figures in arts and letters whose lineage can be traced back to Converts.
• Christian Protectors: Identify, through Irina’s insightful narration, the marks left by prominent Christian figures who protected and promoted Sephardic culture in Madrid.

Stage 6: The Tribunal of the Holy Office of the Inquisition

• A Dark Chapter: Explore how the Spanish Inquisition, initially promoted by the Catholic Monarchs to control Converts (also called New Christians), and prevent massive massacres like those of 1391, quickly transformed into a machine of blood, pain, and injustice lasting over three centuries.
• Founders of the Inquisition: Learn that influential leaders of the Inquisition were of Hebrew lineage and discover the infamous practices suffered by the denounced, imprisoned, tortured, and sentenced victims—both Converts and Christians.
• Collaboration and Corruption: Understand how numerous informants, called “malsines”, who were also Converts, eagerly collaborated with the Holy Office ( the Inquisition) for spurious motives.
• Judicial Corruption: In the 17th century, the powerful Inquisition freely judged and condemned prominent debtors of nobles and Spanish kings, exacerbated by rampant corruption that stripped innocents of their wealth and fastening the kingdom’s financial decline.
• In-Depth Exploration: Irina Karasenko will guide you to the key locations where these grievous practices took place, providing detailed documentation and identifying the instigators, enablers, and victims of the Inquisition’s dark maneuvers.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Deep Dive into Jewish History in Madrid: Learn about Jewish origins and the enduring Jewish legacy in Madrid spanning over 600 years.
• Explore the Footprints of the First and Second Jewish Quarters: Discover the lives, occupations, and challenges faced by Sephardic inhabitants of Madrid.
• Understand the Impact of the Spanish Inquisition: Delve into the dark legacy of the Tribunal of the Holy Office of the Inquisition.
• Private and Personalized Experience: Enjoy a tailored private walk with the expert guidance of Irina Karasenko, who will reveal the extraordinary Hebrew secrets of the Prado Museum and the footprints of Jewish Madrid Walking Tour.

WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS TOUR?

• Families and Individuals: Anyone interested in uncovering the truth about the Jewish legacy in Madrid.
• Researchers and History Buffs: Those who wish to deepen their knowledge about the lives and contributions of renowned Converts in Madrid.
• Art and Culture Enthusiasts: People eager to discover the hidden Jewish symbolism within the masterpieces of the art of painting in the Prado Museum.
• General History Aficionados: Anyone curious to learn the unvarnished truth about the often-obscured history of Jews in Madrid and Spain, including the untold story of the Spanish Inquisition.

WHY CHOOSE THIS TOUR?

• Madrid Museum Tours Guarantee: Since 1997, we have specialized in private tours for culturally sophisticated travelers.
• Expert Guide: Benefit from the profound knowledge and empathy of Irina Karasenko, a leading authority on Jewish Heritage Madrid.
• 100% Personalized Tour: Enjoy an experience tailored to your interests, with a flexible itinerary that moves at your pace.
• Unparalleled Appreciation: Understand the significant artistic, cultural, and economic contributions of the Jewish community in Madrid and Spain.

RESERVE YOUR EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE

With the Hebrew Tour of the Prado Museum and the Private Walk-through Jewish Madrid, you will uncover the indelible imprint left by the Jewish community on Madrid. At Madrid Museum Tours, we are delighted to craft an unforgettable and exclusive private tour just for you.

Book your tour today and immerse yourself in the fascinating legacy of Jewish Madrid!

Length:   6 hours.

Time: Tour from Monday to Sunday.

Languages: English, French, German, Russian, Spanish.

Guides: All our guides are licensed by the Madrid Regional Government and Art History specialists.

High-quality audio gear for crystal-clear listening to your guide.

Admissions: NOT included.

• Skip the line by buying your ticket online at the Prado website. ( General Ticket ). Before you start purchase process, check conditions for children, students or pensioners.
• Our designated meeting point is at the Statue of Goya, in front of the museum’s ticket office. Get directions

Cancellations: before 8 days of the tour: NO penalization.

• Less than 7 days before the Tour: 100% cancellation cost.