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 A classical writer's home |
Calle de Cervantes 11 Madrid, Madrid 28014 Spain +34 91 429 9216 |
Lope de Vega was born in Madrid in 1562 and became one of the 17th century's major dramatists, along with Calderón de la Barca. This is the house where he lived from 1610 until his death in 1635. Those 25 years were a troubled period in the writer's adventurous life. He was banished from Madrid for eight years because he wrote insulting poems about Elena Osorio (the daughter of an important theatrical impresario) with whom he had a five-year relationship. She eventually abandoned him for a wealthy lover. The two-story house is ironically located in Calle Cervantes and has been arranged to represent the historical period in which the writer lived. It first opened to the public in 1935. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: K Friedman |
 Chat, eat and meet the world |
Plaza de Santa Ana, 6 Madrid, Madrid 28012 Spain +1 34 91 429 7033 |
One of the best known bars in Madrid, it has catered for world famous celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner in its time. It hasn't changed much since then and still offers a charming combination of old-fashioned decor - marble-topped tables, dark-paneled walls - old-fashioned waiters and good food at reasonable prices. The best time to come and get a real sense of the place is in the morning or early afternoon before all the tourists flood in. It's a trip back in time and you'll find it in attractive Plaza Santa Ana. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gabriella Alu'  |
 Photo: Margarita Haruspex |
 Photo: Francisco P. Alvarez |
 Photo: Joanna Holowenko |
 Film buffs only |
Santa Isabel, 3 Cine Doré Madrid, Madrid 28012 Spain +34 91 467 2600 |
It shows film series organized by theme (director, country of origin, etc.) that you would never now get to see in a commercial cinema. Most of them are shown in their original language with Spanish subtitles. Its two comfortable screening rooms hold 318 and 119 spectators. There are three daily showings in screen one (starting at 5:30p) and screen two offers one showing (6p). No eating or drinking is allowed in the screening rooms. It's housed in a lovely modernist building dating from 1929 that also has a bookshop and bar-restaurant. Admission is (EUR 1.35) daily and (EUR 10.21) for 10 films. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Breathe the Andalusian atmosphere |
Echegaray 17 Madrid, Madrid 28014 Spain +34 91 429 626 / +34 91 526 6069 |
One of Madrid's long-established flamenco clubs that exudes character, it has always attracted celebrities. The bullfighter Manolete was a regular, and film star Ava Gardner used to come here a lot searching for excitement whenever Sinatra was not looking. Flamenco shows start at 10pm. The music is an up-to-date mix of flamenco, funk, and salsa. If you come during the afternoon and early evening, you will find the place to be relaxed and welcoming, as it doesn't really get going until after 10pm. A drink costs around EUR5.40. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: leoncito |
 A favourite meeting place |
Puerta del Sol Madrid, Madrid 28012 Spain |
Come here any weekend night and you'll find the place buzzing. It's a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike as it's close to Puerta del Sol and surrounded by nightlife venues. It has a statue of playwright Calderón de la Barca in the centre and garden areas round about. The neoclassical Teatro Español building and the art deco Hotel Victoria (a favourite with bullfighters) are both here. As for drinks, the Cervecería Alemana is a good place for a relaxing chat, and then there's the Villarosa (which featured in Pedro Almodóvar's movie High Heels), once a flamenco dance hall, it's now a trendy bar. The history of the square dates back to the times of Joseph Bonaparte who demolished Santa Ana Convent to open up this space. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: mallol |
 Photo: Desiree Onievas Lopez |
 Photo: Josangel_ap |
 Photo: Mariana Miranda |
 Photo: Roger Wong |
 Photo: Marco Palumbo |
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Madrid Spain |
The heart of it all! You should start your tour of the city at the lively Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Steven |
 Photo: Cassidy Norvell |
 Photo: Steven |
 Photo: Anthony Jennings |
 Photo: Daniel Lobo |
 Photo: David Miraut Andrés |
 Photo: Alberto Tobias |
 Photo: Manuel Rojo |
 Photo: Valle Gañán |
 Photo: Marta Ribeiro |
 Photo: Ernesto Rapetti |
 Photo: Juan Fernández |
 Photo: josejoaking |
 Photo: Ray Gutierrez |
 Photo: Rai Robledo |
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Literally the centre of Spain |
Plaza Puerta del Sol Madrid, Madrid 28013 Spain |
Puerta del Sol (Sun Gate) is the most popular and commercial area in the old town. Five hundred years ago it was just another city gate with an image of the sun drawn on it, hence its name. Nowadays, the square is famous for being the center of the national road network. The plaque on the pavement outside the old Post Office building denotes 'kilometer 0'. The distance between Madrid and every other part of Spain is measured from here. Thousands of revelers gather in the square once a year to await the chimes of the clock that officially announces the New Year. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Luis |
 Photo: Dorian Cols |
 Photo: Jordi Motlló Borrella - Cien de Cine |
 Classic drama in a prestigious theatre |
Príncipe, 25 Madrid, Madrid 28012 Spain +34 91 429 6297 |
Madrid's oldest theater belongs to the Town Hall, it holds up to 733 spectators and specializes in staging works by Spain's major classical, romantic and contemporary dramatists. The building has a neoclassical façade featuring impressive windows, pillars and busts of famous playwrights. You'll find it on busy Plaza de Santa Ana. Advance ticket sales: from the box office and by telephone, on +34 902 101 212 for group sales and +34 91 429 9193 or +34 91 429 6293 for individuals. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Aaron Sporer |
 Photo: Jake McKenzie |
 Photo: _Xenia_ |