Historical figures from Madrid, this is the topic of the “cultural” column of this month. We have written about the TV series, the directors, the museums… We have never talked about the history of this amazing city, nor about the people who have been part of it. We know that it may be less entertaining than “La Casa de Papel”, but they are worth a mention, believe us.
Historical figures from Madrid: important people, common ones, intellectuals, writers, kings. helpMadrid will surprise you with history and legends, with men and women. What a better way to discover the cultural background of the Spanish capital? Moreover, every time somebody will visit you, you will be able to show off your knowledge and provide your friends with interesting information.
Before introducing you our historical figures, we must ensure that you have some friends to share these stories. How? By suggesting you one of the best housing solutions ever. We are aware that many of you are familiar with it, but repeating does good! Yes, dear readers, we are talking about our beloved shared flats. As we always remember you, they are simply the easiest way to make new aquaintance when you move to a new place. We have always enjoyed this housing solution and, every time we move to another country or another city, we look for a shared flat. We always find a new family and we keep in touch with them despite distance. A shared flat becomes literally your home away from home, your international family.
Our short digressions become always extremely long, but, as you know it, we enjoy chatting with you. By the way, we were talking about the historical figures from Madrid. Let’s get straight to the point…
San Isidro
Our first historical figure is the Saint who was a farmworker and gave the name to one of the most beloved festivals in Madrid. There is no much to say about his real life, as he his known mostly for his miracles (438…).
Manuela Malasaña
She was the daughter of a baker and she was working in a small atelier in Calle de San Andrés. Her ordinary life would have changed forever the 2th May 1808, when the revolt begun. In the evening, on her way home, she met a French patrol. What happened later is between history and legend. Somebody says that she was being raped and she tried to fight back with her scissors, others claim that the French patrol had seen the scissors and the soldiers though she was armed. A third version says that she was killed helping his father during the revolt. The mystery remains; the only certainty is that she has not survived that day.
Pedro de Ribera
Pedro de Ribera was one of the most important Spanish architects of the Baroque period in Spain in late 1600 and early 1700. Unfortunately, many of the Ribera’s works were destroyed or modified due to the domination of Neoclassicism. What can we admire today of this amazing designer? Ermita de Nuestra Señora del Puerto, Puente de Toledo, Cuartel del Conde-Duque, History museum (metro station Tribunal) and much more.
Antonio Vega
Antonio Vega was a songwriter and he has been one of the most important Spanish pop artists. In 1978, he formed the band Nacha Pop and two years later realised one of the iconic albums of the period. As many artists at that time, he has a troubled existence, but maybe this was the source of his genius.
Carlos III
Last, but not least, a king. Why are we mentioning this king and not any other of the great Spanish rulers? Because of its reforms that promoted science, university research, facilitated trade and commerce, modernised agricultures. A great king for a great end!
Now you have material to tell several stories before the movie nights with your flat mates. This is another great advantage of living in a shared flat: you can organize nice evenings with your new family and you can share the thing you learn with helpMadrid!
By the way, which is your favourite historical figure? Our favourite one is Manuela Malasaña. Even though she has not done anything special, we like the mystery surrounding this woman. Pedro de Ribera is an interesting figure, too: he is the architect who designed our beloved Puente de Toledo (our favourite bridge in Madrid… should we write a “Getting around…” post about the bridges?).
Oh my word! This blog post is becoming quite long, isn’t it? We do not want to bother you further. Moreover, we promised you not to be too chatty ahahah. Just keep following our columns and stay tuned…
SPOILER ALERT
This month we have planned something special for you.
See you soon!