Matritum Urbs Regia, Madrid

Smithsonian MagazineDec 22, 2025

Madrid’s Sobrino de Botín is filled with legends, ghosts and priceless art. The food is pretty good, too

Painting of the former Royal Alcázar of Madrid

16 things in this story

Sobrino de BotínRestaurantOldest restaurant in the world, opened in 1725
Austrias neighborhoodNeighborhoodHistoric neighborhood along Calle de Cuchilleros
Calle de CuchillerosNeighborhoodStreet named for 17th-century knifemakers
WalksPlaceOffers tours with a Botín expert
Talavera de la ReinaPlaceCeramic tile used in the dining room
Matritum Urbs RegiaSightPainting of the former Royal Alcázar of Madrid
MatriarcaRestaurantBienvenido a La Matriarca Restaurante, tu destino culinario en MADRID.
Plaza MayorMarket
The Sun Also RisesPlace
AustriasNeighborhood
Venice BiennaleFestival
De La Warr PavilionMuseum
Guggenheim BilbaoMuseum
Arts of the EarthPlace
Cooperativa de Mujeres Artesanas del Gran Chaco (COMAR)Place
United Nations Development Program (UNDP)Place

Matritum Urbs Regia