Parque Emir Mohamed I Madrid

Hidden Islamic roots

Beatriz from Madrid

"Beside the Almudena Cathedral lies Parque del Emir Mohamed I, home to Madrid’s oldest Arab wall — a quiet, powerful reminder of the city’s Muslim roots."

Just beside the Almudena Cathedral, the Parque del Emir Mohamed I is a place where history quietly reshapes our image of Madrid. Though often overlooked, this park holds one of the city's most important archaeological treasures: the best-preserved remains of the original Arab wall that once enclosed Mayrit, the early Islamic settlement that gave birth to our city.

Walking through the park, you're not only surrounded by its tranquility next to the center, you're also stepping into the oldest layers of the city. The wall, dating back to the 9th century, is a silent witness to the Muslim origin of Madrid, a story that that remains unknown. Its presence challenges the usual image of Madrid as a purely Christian and Habsburg city, reminding us that the city's identity is woven from multiple cultural threads.

The park is modest in size, but is location makes it a unique stop: right next to the cathedral, the Royal Palace, and the Campo del Moro gardens. Surrounded by grand monuments, it offers a rare moment of quiet reflection.

I find it specially powerful to visit at dusk, when the light falls gently on the stone ruins and see a panoramic view of the city's suburbs.

Relaxing

Buy one, Give one!

Share your 💚 this December

*on all products

Madrid Spotter Beatriz

Hi! I'm Bea! Born and raised in Madrid, I’m a geographer with a passion for places—not just maps and landscapes, but the stories, streets, and people that bring them to life. I love wandering through neighborhoods (both at home and when I travel), always on the lookout for spots that feel genuine, lived-in, and full of personality. I'm also a CrossFit enthusiast and a big fan of discovering cities on the run—literally! For me, a perfect day might include a good workout followed by a great coffee or snack in a place that tells its own story. To me, places are emotions, memorie...

About this spot

Parque Emir Mohamed

€

no-price

Jul 21, 2025

Our Madrid City Guide

Find your way with 266 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Madrid guide.

Loved it? Join us!

Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Madrid

Formaje

Madrid’s award-winning cheesery

During the quarantine, we people in Madrid discovered how to splurge on foodie goodies at home. "Formaje" is my choice regarding cheese...

Shopping

Snacks

Andrea

Roberts

Dec 11, 2025

Bô Coffee

Madrid’s most Instagram-able brekkie

"Bô Coffee" in Madrid is a new coffee shop with a 'healthy not healthy' menu - from avo toast w/ nutritional yeast to incredibly decadent cookies...

Coffee & tea

Restaurants

Snacks

Andrea

Roberts

Dec 11, 2025

Cafés Tornasol

Breakfast in the market

At first glance, "Cafés Tornasol" in Madrid is not very different from other specialty coffee shops, but what makes them special is their savory dishes...

Coffee & tea

Snacks

Cesar

Gonzalez

Dec 11, 2025

Fundación Mapfre

An art jewel in Madrid

"Fundación Mapfre" in Madrid is an excellently curated exhibition that's very well lit & hung. At a reasonable 3 euros, a great way to spend an hour or so.

Art & culture

Shopping

Andrea

Roberts

Dec 11, 2025

Plaza de Olavide

My favourite Madrid square

"Plaza de Olavide" is one of most laid-back squares you'll find in Madrid, and a place I like spending some time with friends without spending a fortune.

Bars

Relaxing

Restaurants

Andrea

Roberts

Dec 11, 2025

Museo Lázaro Galdiano

Madrid, heir to art palace

"Museo Lázaro Galdiano" in Madrid comprises almost 5,000 pieces on display. Here you'll find well-known names and pieces. Free entrance for the last hour.

Art & culture

Andrea

Roberts

Dec 9, 2025

Delish Vegan Donuts

Madrid’s donut heaven

Delish Vegan Doughnuts Madrid makes donuts so popular they sell out every day! All their 12 varieties look sinful, like you need confession afterwards.

Coffee & tea

Shopping

Snacks

Andrea

Roberts

Dec 9, 2025

Rosaleda del Retiro

A rose is a rose is a rose

The Rosaleda del Retiro gardens in Madrid has such a happy atmosphere - I challenge anyone not to be charmed by its flowery abundance in May & June...

Relaxing

Andrea

Roberts

Dec 5, 2025

La Mejor Tarta de Chocolate del Mundo

Chocolate!

"La Mejor Tarta de Chocolate del Mundo" in Madrid doesn't just make the best chocolate cake in the world because the names says so. It's not joking around.

Snacks

María José

Morr

Dec 3, 2025

Club Alma Sensai

Chic divine

"Club Alma Sensai" in Madrid is a private club for women but also open to a few good men. It is a concept in exclusive leisure, fun and elegance...

Art & culture

María José

Morr

Dec 3, 2025

Cafe Berlin

Dance for real

"Cafe Berlin" in Madrid is a legendary club that has concerts and music until the early hours in the morning! It is a mix of cinema, theater & 20s bar...

Music

Daniel

Ramirez-Escudero

Dec 3, 2025

El Doble

The legend of the best doble in town

"El Doble" in Madrid features the caña's bigger brother -- 330ml of beer. The lights here are bright, so forget about the ambience, though I still love it!

Bars