Calle Bailén is located between Plaza de España and Plaza de San Francisco. Calle Bailén is one of the most symbolic streets in Madrid. We open this section Taking a stroll into the past. We will see what some parts of our city were like. Today, we offer you to go along the mythical Calle Bailén. Would you like to come with us ?

MANY NAMES FOR ONE SINGLE STREET

Calle Bailén is probably one of the streets in Madrid whose name has changed countless times. It has been called Calle Nueva, Calle Nueva de Palacio, Regalada Nueva, Caballerizas Nuevas… Eventually, in 1835, it was definitely called Calle Bailén.

This name was chosen in order to remember the Spanish victory in the War of Independence against the French.

This street begins next to Jardines de Sabatini and has vistas with the Royal Palace up the road. In the old days the horses which were presented to the Kings and Queens, were kept there. Hence, the former names of Regalada ( which means “present”) and Caballerizas, meaning “stables”.

 A SYMBOL OF CALLE BAILEN

Calle Bailén crosses an impressive viaduct over Calle Segovia. This viaduct offers one of the most privileged vantage-points in all Madrid.

The first viaduct was built in 1874 with iron and wood. Its purpose was to connect the area of Palacio with that of San Francisco. During the Second Republic, it was demolished. However, it was rebuilt and the construction was finished in 1934.

Old pictures: www.madridantiguo.org

Current picture: Jan Solo