Barrio de las Letras is one of those districts which you must go to in Madrid. This neighbourhood still retains an echo of its past where unique and important authors of Spanish literature frequently strolled along its streets. Tourists can still see many places, shops and bars which are worthwhile visiting. Today we have chosen this corner and we invite you to wander along it, we have already seen “Quinta de los Molinos”.

A WALK THAT OOZES CULTURE

In Barrio de las Letras we can see written on the pavements literary passages, a fact which leads us to recall famous men of letters such as Miguel de Cervantes, Lope de Vega, Francisco Quevedo and Luis de Góngora.

This area in Madrid is the only place in the world which brought together such an outstanding group of writters. These men, who were part of the Spanish Golden Age, lived here. Nowadays, we can visit the Casa-Museo de Lope de Vega as well as the grave of Cervantes in the convent of San Ildefonso de las Trinitarias Descalzas.

We can stop to look at Miguel de Cervante´s house and also the house of his literary enemy Lope de Vega. We must add that it is a pleasure to go inside any bar which is more than a hundred years old, in order to have a snack and get one´s strength back.

LOOKING INTO THE FUTURE

Barrio de las Letras has combined its splendid past with a very interesting and current offer: bars, pubs and modern businesses liven up each corner of the neighbourhood.

If you are fond of interior decorating you will always find just what you are looking for in one of the numerous shops. In Calle León you will be able to buy a special and extraordinary present, different from any you have ever bought before. Medialab-Prado offers interesting cultural proposals. We have already described it a few days ago.

AN ARTIST´S TALKING SHOP

Mentidero de Representantes, located near Calle León, was a place where actors, musicians, writters, poets and people from the Bohemian world gathered and met constantly to talk about the latest novelty concerning work and culture. This extinct Mentidero has a commemorative plaque on its façade.

Picture 01: The LEAF Project

Pictures 02 and 04: Manuel Martín

Picture 03: Pablo Sánchez

Picture 05: Rubén Vique

Picture 06: Juan Antonio F. Segall