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Barrio de las Letras is a district in Madrid, Spain, named for the Spanish literary giants who lived there during the 16th and 17th centuries. Among the big names who lived there are Miguel de Cervantes, Lope de Vega, Francisco de Quevedo, and Luis de Góngora.
Wandering the streets of Barrio de las Letras is a pleasure. Even if you aren’t into Spanish literature or historic places, there are several cafés, bars, restaurants, and little shops to enjoy.
Plaza de Santa Ana
A great place to start exploring Barrio de las Letras is Plaza de Santa Ana, which was once the site of a monastery. Nowadays, it’s a popular meeting place that features several restaurants, tapas bars, and cafés.
In the center of the plaza are two monuments. One is dedicated to Spanish poet and playwright Federico García Lorca (1898-1936), who was executed by Spanish Nationalist forces.
The other is dedicated to Pedro Calderón de la Barca (1600-1681), another Spanish poet and playwright.
Madrid’s oldest theatre, Teatro Español, is located on the east side of the plaza. It opened in 1583.
Plaza del Ángel
To the southwest of Plaza de Santa Ana is the smaller but also pleasant Plaza del Ángel. Several more outdoor cafés and restaurants line this plaza as well.
Iglesia de San Sebastián
South of Plaza del Ángel is Iglesia de San Sebastián. It was built between 1554 and 1693 and held the funeral of Cervantes, the author of Don Quixote, in 1616.
Casa de Cervantes
Speaking of Cervantes, you can locate the site of the author’s home a couple blocks east on Calle de Cervantes.
The original house was demolished in the 19th century, but there’s a plaque indicating Cervantes lived and died in there as well as several other posters featuring his image.
Casa de Lope de Vega
Just down the street is the Casa de Lope de Vega. Spain’s second-most important author next to Cervantes lived in the house from 1610 until his death in 1635. It’s now a museum offering free guided group tours that must be booked in advance. Tours are offered Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 6pm and take about 45 minutes.
Convento de las Trinitarias Descalzas
Finally, a block south of Lope de Vega’s house is the Convento de las Trinitarias Descalzas. It’s closed to the public, but a plaque at the entrance commemorates the burial of Cervantes at the convent. A mass is held for him every year on the anniversary of his death, April 23.
