With more than 3 million habitants in the municipal and 6 million in the whole metrolitan area, the Spanish capital and Madrid region is the third most populated area in the European Union. Home to the government, institutions and ministries, the Royal Palace and, together with Barcelona, is considered one of the principal cultural centres housing the Prado musuem, Thyssen- Bornemisza and Queen Sofia. Known for its night life since the 80s this city holds its name for being the city which never sleeps....
The Jewish neighborhood of Madrid, then became a popular area, now is the most multicultural heart of the city, with aromas and flavors that come from far and create a unique atmosphere. You can like it or not, just know what it offers.
HISTORY: Lavapies was traditionally the Jewish district of Madrid. Even its name back to these origins, referring to the custom they had of washing their feet in the square before entering the temple to pray. After the expulsion of the Jews in 1492, the church of San Lorenzo was built in place of the old synagogue. From that moment, and until the eighties / nineties, Lavapies became an extremely popular neighborhood for workers, and quite decadent. It revived precisely when a new generation of immigrants and artists began to occupy the old abandoned houses to make new apartments Madrid. A new impulse of life quickly perked up this part of town, turning it into a young center of nightlife, surely with a very authentic taste of street life.
ATMOSPHERE: Lavapies is a special district, where the mixture of traditions, origins, food can produce love or intimidation. It is certainly worth a visit for its historical value. The nightlife here propose a target decidedly bohemian.
PLACES: The heart of the district is the Plaza de Lavapies, but the place not to be missed in the evening is the lively Calle Argumosa. From here you can easily get to the most famous museums of Spain: Reina Sofia and Prado. And yet the Plaza Tirso de Molina and thePlaza Cascorro, one of the boundary points of the famous Rastro market. The area includes the film library, with projections in original language.
