The Literary Quarter or "El Barrio de las Letras"

The students in the Literature and Film class had the opportunity to join a guided tour through the Literary Quarter, and we think many of you would enjoy visiting this neighborhood as well (take advantage of this good weather!). If you are interested in any of these places and you need further information, contact Eva.

The Barrio de las Letras in Madrid is a charming historic quarter where some of Spain’s greatest writers once lived and worked. As you stroll through its pedestrian streets, you can find literary quotes engraved on the pavement, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of Plaza de Santa Ana with its theaters and cafés. The neighborhood is also just steps away from the Prado Museum and is filled with art galleries, boutique shops, and traditional tapas bars that showcase the vibrant cultural soul of Madrid.

We’ve mentioned this area before in the blog thanks to the “Mercado de las Ranas” (an open‑air market where local shops take their products out, offering crafts, fashion, art, gastronomy and more in a lively, family‑friendly atmosphere). By the way, it is held mainly on the first and third Saturday of each month, so it’s taking place this Saturday, February 21st, from 12:00 to 19:00. You can read more about it here: https://exploringwithauspain.blogspot.com/2026/01/welcome-to-madrid.html.

Lope de Vega, a hugely successful playwright and poet—and a fierce rival of Cervantes—lived in this neighborhood. His house is a beautifully preserved 17th‑century residence that offers an intimate glimpse into the domestic world of Spain’s Golden Age. Tucked away on a quiet street in the Literary Quarter, the house maintains its original layout, with a peaceful courtyard, a modest oratory, and warm, wood‑beamed rooms that evoke the playwright’s daily life. Its interiors are filled with period furniture, manuscripts, and personal belongings that reflect Lope de Vega’s dual identity as a prolific writer and a priest, making the home a remarkably atmospheric time capsule of Madrid’s cultural past. Access to the museum is through guided group tours (maximum 15 people). You can also call individually and they will add you to an existing group—no need to bring your own group if you prefer not to. Tours begin every 30 minutes, last 45 minutes, and can be conducted in English, French, or Spanish. Visiting hours run from Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Monday!), 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (last tour at 5:00 pm).

Booking: casamuseolopedevega@madrid.org / +34 914 29 92 16

As you walk through the Literary Quarter, you’ll also find the Convent of the Trinitarias, where Cervantes is buried… Do you know why he’s there? He felt deep gratitude toward this religious order. You can learn more by watching El cautivo, a film about the young Cervantes—look for it on any streaming platform; it’s very interesting.

       

Nearby, you can also visit the printing house where Don Quixote was first published, located at what is now the Sociedad Cervantina (Calle Atocha 87). You can join a guided visit by contacting them through their website: https://sociedadcervantina.es/eventos/visita-guiada-a-la-imprenta-del-quijote/

Another noteworthy stop in the area is the Ateneo Artístico, Científico y Literario (Calle del Prado 21), a cultural institution that played a key role in Spain’s intellectual life during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Its library is stunning, though accessible only to members—but you can enter the building and enjoy its exhibitions: https://ateneodemadrid.com/eventos/

And although it’s not in Madrid, remember that it’s extremely easy to reach the city where Cervantes was born: Alcalá de Henares—we wrote about it in a previous post. It’s just a 30‑minute train ride from Atocha station. Trains leave every 15 minutes, and with your transport card, the ticket is free!!! Alcalá de Henares is a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its beautifully preserved historic quarter and its distinction as the world’s first purpose‑designed university city, founded in the early 16th century by Cardinal Cisneros. Its blend of Roman roots, medieval streets, and remarkable Renaissance architecture makes it a uniquely rich cultural and historical destination. Good and free tapas as well :-)

Carnivals in Madrid

We know that many of you are traveling this weekend (don’t forget to take awesome pictures for the AU Madrid Photo Contest!). But if you’re staying in Madrid, this information may be useful:

Every year, Madrid celebrates Carnivals with a full program of free, themed activities for all ages. In recent years, the main hub for the festivities has been Matadero Madrid and Madrid Río Park. Take note: the 2026 celebrations will take place from 14 to 18 February! 

Carnivals do not have a fixed date of celebration. As with Holy Week, Carnival is celebrated according to the lunar calendar, which means that the days change from one year to the next. Specifically, Carnival is set 40 days before Holy Thursday, which this year is Thursday April 2.

Madrid Carnivals may not be as spectacular as the Carnivals in Venice, Rio de Janeiro or even Cádiz in Andalucía and Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canary Islands, but there are still plenty of interesting things to do during these days.

 

         

You can find the full program here https://www.carnavalmadrid.com/#programa, but here's a brief summary:

• Grand Parade (Feb 14): A large parade with floats and bands from 1 pm to 3 pm, running from Puente de Toledo to the Explanada Negra.
• Events at Matadero Madrid: Expect the official opening speech, concerts, DJ sessions and children’s workshops.
• Traditional Events: Manteo del Pelele (Tossing a dummy) and the Entierro de la Sardina (Burial of the Sardine) on Ash Wednesday, which marks the end of the festivities.

• Activities: The celebration includes murgas and chirigotas (satirical musical groups) and, in recent years, a festive, themed and inclusive atmosphere.
• Atmosphere: While less intense than in other Spanish cities, Madrid’s Carnival is known for its costumes, street parties and, of course, the traditional Burial of the Sardine. What is that? It’s a tradition depicted by Goya in one of his paintings. Costumes are put away, the fanfares fall silent, and the sardine is buried with honors to mark the end of the celebrations and the beginning of Lent. The satirical funeral procession usually starts at Plaza de San Antonio de la Florida. Later, the sardine is traditionally buried at the Pajarito Fountain in Plaza de las Moreras in Casa de Campo Park. An impressive bonfire closes the ceremony, symbolically driving away evil and negative thoughts, with the ashes representing happiness, peace and harmony.

And something outside the official program, and less traditional but also very popular from 1981, is the Ball at the Círculo de Bellas Artes (Marqués de Casa Riera 4). It will take place on 14 February from 10:30 pm to 6:00 am. More information here and tickets here: https://www.circulobellasartes.com/fiestas/un-carnaval-legendario-2026/

        

Staying in Madrid This Weekend?

Madrid is wonderfully connected to many charming towns and villages perfect for quick excursions. Whether you are into history, nature, or leisurely strolls, here are five great ideas, each easily accessible by public transport. You will see that the tickets are very cheap… but everything we are going to suggest you is free with your transportation card!

Alcalá de Henares

A UNESCO-listed city and birthplace of Cervantes, Alcalá is ideal for wandering its historic streets and university quarter.

How to get there: Take Cercanías (Renfe, the train system) C2 or C7 from Atocha or Chamartín. Trains run every ~15 minutes  (get off at Alcalá de Henares stop, not Alcalá de Henares Universidad, which is the modern campus, not the historic one) and the journey takes about 40 minutes. Tickets cost around €3.40.

Aranjuez 

Famous for its Royal Palace and lush gardens, Aranjuez now offers an extra treat: the Museum of Royal Barges, which has just reopened after nine months of restoration. 

How to get there: Cercanías C3 from Atocha, Puerta del Sol, or Nuevos Ministerios. The trip takes about 50 minutes and costs a little over €4. 

San Lorenzo de El Escorial

Home to one of Spain’s most impressive monuments (the Monastery of El Escorial) this mountain town is perfect for culture lovers.

How to get there: Take Cercanías C3 or C8 from Atocha, Sol, or Chamartín. Trains take just over 1 hour and cost about €4. 

Alternatively, buses 661 or 664 from Moncloa reach El Escorial in about 50 minutes. Without your transportation card it would cost around 3 euros.

El Pardo

A peaceful natural escape just north of Madrid, known for its forested landscapes (there are nice and eay trials around!) and royal heritage.

How to get there: Bus N31 from Moncloa goes directly to El Pardo in about 24 minutes. You can also go to Pitis metro station and walk to El Pardo (very nice easy trails!)

Cercedilla

A gateway to the Sierra de Guadarrama, perfect for hiking, fresh air, and mountain views.

How to get there: Cercanías C8 from Madrid Chamartín to Cercedilla. The journey takes about 1 hour to 1h05. Tickets start around €5–6.