Guided visit to the workshops of the Royal Tapestry Factory

At the Real Fábrica de Tapices the looms are not museum pieces: they are still at work. The 45-minute guided visit takes you through the historic workshops where tapestries are woven and carpets made by hand, with the staff working in view, and through the galleries where antique tapestries hang. You leave understanding the slow work behind every piece.

No online sales: you request a place by email

There is no ticket office on the website. You write to the factory's email with the name, ID number and telephone of each person, choose a session and pay by bank transfer. In the morning there are sessions Monday to Friday at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00 and 13:00, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays also at 9:00; in the afternoon, Monday to Thursday at 16:00, only if eight people get together. Groups are of five to fifteen. The ticket costs €6, €5 reduced, and the Monday 10:00 session is free. It is given in Spanish and English, except in July and August. Groups of six can request an exclusive visit that enters restricted areas.

Next to El Retiro, at Menéndez Pelayo

The factory is at Calle de Fuenterrabía, 2, in the Pacífico neighbourhood, between Atocha station and the southern end of El Retiro. The nearest metro is Menéndez Pelayo, on line 1, a couple of minutes' walk. Come in closed, sturdy footwear: you pass through work areas and flip-flops, unstable sandals and very high heels are not allowed.