Plaza de Chamberí is a very delightful and quiet square. Thus, it is very appealing to visit or to have a drink in one of its pavement cafès. Apart from being a very pleasant place, it is really special for Estate One. This is because it is located in the area of Almagro, very close to our office which is in 30, Calle Almagro. Plaza de Chamberí is not a large square, however, it is surrounded by trees and it has a beautiful fountain as well as a bandstand. All of this creates a nice and enjoyable atmosphere, making it a very special place. It is set in a privileged location, in the very centre of the district of Chamberí and close to the financial area of Madrid as well as to the district of Salamanca and Justicia. Hence, it is a very sought-after place. Close by, there is a significant and superb cultural offer and all the main museums are within walking distance. In the area, there are also cinemas and theatres. However, if what we are really looking for are good bars, well-known restaurants or exclusive and fashionable commercial establishments, then this is the perfect place as they are all very near and you can go on foot. Recently, we wrote about Plaza de Santa Ana. Today, we will visit Plaza de Chamberí. We invite you to join us.

A FAMILY SQUARE

Plaza de Chamberí is located at the point at which Calle de Santa Engracia and Paseo de Eduardo Dato meet. In 1877, the landscaping was done and some years later in 1883, the Convento de las Siervas de María was inaugurated. The writer, Benito Perez Galdós, mentioned this convent in his classic novel Tristana.

In 1985, Arturo Ordozgoiti renovated the square. At present, the central office of the Municipal Council of the district of Chamberí is located there. In the square, we can also view the sculpture of Loreto Prado, the mythical theatre actress who for more than 50 years had been in a relationship with Perico Chicote. This was the last sculpture made by Mariano Benlliure. Nevertheless, in 1989, it had to be replaced by a copy due to the damage on the stone. As we have already said, this is not a monumental square; on the contrary, it is a family square where everything is close by. It is a really charming place, where you can have a tapa or a beer in one of the pavement cafès or pubs. We suggest visiting it on a sunny morning.

CHAMBERI: A UNIQUE DISTRICT

The district of Chamberí is different from any other area in Madrid. The elegant streets are lined with stately buildings and as you stroll along you have the feeling that you are in a unique neighbourhood. However, some parts of this area are mysterious. Could it be because of the phantom underground station which had been hidden for decades and has currently been reconverted into an interesting museum? We really do not know the reason why this is such a special district. Nowadays, it is inconceivable to think that years ago this was a marginal area. In those days, it was known as Los Tejares and it was not until well into the XIX century, when numerous aristocratic families went to live there, that this area changed. In the XX century, this neighbourhood became one of the most traditional, select and exclusive  in Madrid.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…?

During the French occupation, Napoleon chose Plaza de Chamberí to set up his military headquarters. The French referred to this square as Chambèry and thus, later on it was called Chamberí.

Picture 01: Foupic

Picture 02: Luis García