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 :-)