If you are learning Spanish in Madrid, it is important that you know “el barrio de las letras”. This area is delimited by the Paseo del Prado, Atocha, Carrera de San Jerónimo and Carretas street.
At every step it’s advisable to be attentive so as not to miss the countless historical and literary winkers that we encounter: information plates or inscriptions on the ground. Walking around the "Barrio de las Musas", one gets transported to another era. Walking around "el barrio de las letras" is a must while you rest from your Spanish classes in Madrid.
You will come across the Spanish Golden Age through these narrow streets that cross each other where Cervantes, Quevedo, Lope de Vega or Góngora walked not long ago. They took their literary skills for a walk in this incredible neighborhood with an impressive social life. At that time, comedy corrals and liars stood out. In a society with a lot of gossip, these literary geniuses left their mark on this neighborhood, where you can breathe a bohemian and carefree air.
Take advantage of the opportunity to learn Spanish in the place where were the most outstanding personalities of the Spanish language.
Features about "Barrio de las letras"
In this neighborhood, you will find two completely different areas. One of them is more touristic and lively. You'll be able to go out for Huertas street to have a drink. But, without a doubt, the best area of the "barrio de las letras" is the one that is most intimate. You can have a drink in Plaza de Santa Ana while enjoying the beautiful facades and monuments to Calderón de la Barca and García Lorca. The Church of San Sebastian is also a must see. In this church, Tirso de Molina or Ramón de la Cruz was baptized, Larra, Zorrilla, Valle Inclán or Bécquer were married and Espronceda, Lope de Vega or Jacinto Benavente were buried.
The Ateneo, the Caixa Forum, Museo Reina Sofía, Casa - Museo de Lope de Vega or the Café Central are essential stops for strolls that always reveal something new to you. Enjoy your Spanish classes by learning about the place where great Spanish writers took a walk.
