Literary history abounds in Madrid, with evidence of the famous writers that once lived in the Spanish capital on every street corner. From plaques and statues to quotations from famous works engraved into the pavements, you’ll find a plethora of literary references and historic buildings to remind us of Spain’s literary geniuses. If you’re planning to take a tour of Madrid during one of your Spanish holidays, here’s 5 places that should definitely be on your itinerary.
Calle Huertas
Start at Calle Huertas, the main street of El Barrio de Letras district and home to many Spanish writers, including Miguel de Cervantes (author of the greatest Spanish novel ever written – Don Quixote), Francisco de Quevedo and Luis de Góngora. Here you’ll find many quotations inscribed in the middle of street, and in the evenings the tree-lined streets in the ‘neighbourhood of letters’ come alive with many artisan shops, bars, restaurants and jazz clubs.
Stop at the Casa de Cervantes
While you can’t actually visit the private Casa de Cervantes, you’ll find a plaque commemorating Spain’s most famous author, plus quotes from his works on the exterior. If you’d like to learn more about Cervantes, the Cervantes Birthplace Museum is located in Acála de Henares, less than an hour outside Madrid.
Stop at the oldest restaurant in the world
Restaurante Sobrino de Botín has been certified by Guinness World Records as the oldest restaurant in the world. However, that’s not its only claim to fame, as it’s reputed to be the restaurant of choice for Ernest Hemingway during the ’20s, ’30s and 50s, where he dined on oncochinillo, otherwise known as suckling pig. The restaurant also features in his novel, The Sun Also Rises.
Or try a tray of tapas at La Venencia
Another of Hemingway’s haunts, this traditional sherry bar offers tapas along with its trademark sherry. Hemingway spent many hours here during his time as a war correspondent in the Second World War when he was based in Madrid. Also a popular meeting place for socialist Republican soldiers during the Spanish Civil War, you’ll find that it’s both atmospheric and authentic.
Sample the bohemian atmosphere at Las Cuevas de Sésamo
For over 60 years, Las Cuevas de Sésamo has been the place where the bohemian and artistic community have gathered to socialise. While it doesn’t look much from the outside, inside you’ll find a cave-like bar, its walls covered with contemporary paintings together with quotations from artistic and literary greats such as Beethoven and Miguel Cervantes. Another of Hemingway’s favourite haunts, it’s also famous for its intoxicating sangria.
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