Built on the former site of a Carmelite convent, today the
square forms the centre of a district that is liveliest at night. The statue
of Calderon
contemplates the façade of the Teatro Espanol, the city’s
oldest theatre, which was famous in the 16th and 17th centuries for its
great premieres. The district is still home to many of the theatres in
Madrid.
Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando
Since 1744, the Acedemy of Fine Arts has been housed in the former palace.
It contains an important collection of 16th to 18th century sculptures
and works by such artists as El Geco, Don’t miss the paintings
of the Golden Age especially San Diego Feeging the Poor by Murillo.
Calle Alcala, 13
91 522 14 91
Viva Madrid
As the hours go by, the music gets louder, turning this quiet daytime tapas
bar into a copas bar from 7pm onwards. From the terrace, which is open
in summer, there is a marvellous view of the magnificant coloured columns
on the front of the bar.
Calle Manuel Fernandez y Gonzalez, 7
91 429 36 40
Open every day 1pm-2am
Villa Rosa
The regulars come here to dance the night away after doing the rounds of
the local bars! The walls are covered inside and out with azulejo tiles
and the Moorish door is quite spectacular. Cult Film director, Pedro
Almodovar, who was an important figure in the movida, shot some scenes
from High Heels here, so if you’re a film buff, you really wouldn’t
want to miss it.
Plaza Santa Ana, 5
91 521 36 89
Mon.-Sat., 11pm-5am
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