{"id":19849,"date":"2024-11-07T03:59:48","date_gmt":"2024-11-07T08:59:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/?p=19849"},"modified":"2025-10-27T15:22:46","modified_gmt":"2025-10-27T14:22:46","slug":"madrid-neighborhood-names","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/madrid-neighborhood-names","title":{"rendered":"The Surprising Origin of 10 Madrid Neighborhood Names"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p> If you\u2019ve ever been curious about the origins of some of the <strong>Madrid neighborhood names <\/strong>then this is for you. &nbsp;This metropolis of <strong>3.4 million inhabitants<\/strong> boasts <strong>21 districts<\/strong>, and <strong>131 different neighborhoods<\/strong>, all with a distinct  vibe and name. However, not many people, not even the locals,  know the history behind the names, so here are 10 of the best to get you started. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sam-20181001-MADRID-Best-of-Madrid0038.jpg\" alt=\"Plaza mayor is located in one of the Madrid neighborhood names you need to know. \" class=\"wp-image-16878\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sam-20181001-MADRID-Best-of-Madrid0038.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sam-20181001-MADRID-Best-of-Madrid0038-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sam-20181001-MADRID-Best-of-Madrid0038-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sam-20181001-MADRID-Best-of-Madrid0038-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Want to know how Madrid neighborhood names got their origins? Read on&#8230;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_63 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #443d47;color:#443d47\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #443d47;color:#443d47\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/madrid-neighborhood-names\/#10_Madrid_Neighborhood_Names_explained\" title=\"10 Madrid Neighborhood Names explained\">10 Madrid Neighborhood Names explained<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/madrid-neighborhood-names\/#Los_Austrias\" title=\"Los Austrias\">Los Austrias<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/madrid-neighborhood-names\/#Puerta_de_Sol\" title=\"Puerta de Sol\">Puerta de Sol<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/madrid-neighborhood-names\/#La_Latina\" title=\"La Latina\">La Latina<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/madrid-neighborhood-names\/#Barrio_de_las_Letras\" title=\"Barrio de las Letras\">Barrio de las Letras<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/madrid-neighborhood-names\/#Salamanca\" title=\"Salamanca\">Salamanca<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/madrid-neighborhood-names\/#Malasana\" title=\"Malasa\u00f1a\">Malasa\u00f1a<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/madrid-neighborhood-names\/#Lavapies\" title=\"Lavapi\u00e9s\">Lavapi\u00e9s<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/madrid-neighborhood-names\/#Chueca\" title=\"Chueca\">Chueca<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/madrid-neighborhood-names\/#Vallecas\" title=\"Vallecas\">Vallecas<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/madrid-neighborhood-names\/#Prosperidad\" title=\"Prosperidad\">Prosperidad<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/madrid-neighborhood-names\/#FAQ%C2%B4S_%E2%80%93_Madrid_neighborhood_names\" title=\"FAQ\u00b4S &#8211; Madrid neighborhood names \">FAQ\u00b4S &#8211; Madrid neighborhood names <\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/madrid-neighborhood-names\/#When_was_Madrid_founded\" title=\"When was Madrid founded?\">When was Madrid founded?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/madrid-neighborhood-names\/#When_did_Madrid_become_the_capital_of_Spain\" title=\"When did Madrid become the capital of Spain? \">When did Madrid become the capital of Spain? <\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/madrid-neighborhood-names\/#Whats_the_story_behind_the_bear_and_strawberry_tree\" title=\"What\u2019s the story behind the bear and strawberry tree?\">What\u2019s the story behind the bear and strawberry tree?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/madrid-neighborhood-names\/#What_is_the_longest_of_the_Madrid_neighborhood_names\" title=\"What is the longest of the Madrid neighborhood names?\">What is the longest of the Madrid neighborhood names?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Madrid_Neighborhood_Names_explained\"><\/span>10 Madrid Neighborhood Names explained<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Los_Austrias\"><\/span>Los Austrias<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Officially called El Madrid de los Austrias, this centrally located neighborhood (<em>barrio<\/em>) is the <strong>oldest neighborhood in the Spanish capital<\/strong>. So, it is fitting that we need to give a swift Spanish history lesson here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Isabel and Ferdinand, also known as the Catholic Monarchs, gave birth to Charles V. He would later go on to become Holy Roman Emperor and forge a union with the powerful Habsburg family in Vienna.&nbsp;<strong>Charles V\u2019s son, Philip II became King of Spain in 1556, and was instrumental in the formation and growth of Madrid, making it the capital of Spain. Thus,<\/strong> <strong>because of the family&#8217;s Austrian connection, the first neighborhood was known as Los Austrias.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today some of the iconic sites of Los Austrias include:<strong>&nbsp;<\/strong>Plaza Mayor, Mercado de San Miguel, Teatro Real, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.patrimonionacional.es\/en\/visita\/royal-palace-madrid\">The Royal Palace,<\/a> and Catedral de Santa Maria la Real de la Almudena.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Insider tip: <\/em><\/strong>Want to get to know Los Austrias better? Step into the heart of Spanish royalty on our <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/madrid-tours\/royal-palace-tour\/\">Royal Madrid: Skip-the-Line Palace Tour with Gardens<\/a>.<\/strong> Our expert guides will reveal hidden ruins, historic squares, and the grandeur of the palace itself. Finishing in the serene Sabatini Gardens, why not join us for an unforgettable journey through Madrid\u2019s oldest neighborhood!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1200\" height=\"801\" src=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Los-Austrias-e1730823277524.jpg\" alt=\"A group of people walking outside of the Royal Palace in Madrid.\" class=\"wp-image-19850\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">If you&#8217;re coming to Los Austrias neighborhood, be sure to check out the Royal Palace.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Puerta_de_Sol\"><\/span>Puerta de Sol<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The large central square known as &#8220;Sol&#8221; is the hub or central point of the city. In fact, <strong>Puerta de Sol began life in the 15th century as a gate to the city, hence the name \u201c<em>puerta<\/em>,\u201d which translates as gate or door. The name \u201c<em>sol<\/em>,\u201d or sun, comes from the fact that there was an image of the sun on the gate to denote that it was facing east, where the sun rises.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nowadays, Puerta de Sol plaza is a hive of tourist activity that many locals try to avoid. But as a visitor, you have to visit at least once, like Times Square in New York or Piazza San Marco in Venice.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Fun fact:<\/em><\/strong> This is also where you will find Kilometre Zero. There is a bronze medallion marker inlaid in the pavement which marks the location of 0km, the starting point of all national roads. This not only symbolizes the heart of the country\u2019s road network but has also become a must-see spot for visitors who want a photo at \u201cthe heart of Spain.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Devour_Madrid_Ultimate_2024_0688.jpg\" alt=\"A tour guide with a red bag leads a group in Puerta del Sol, Madrid, gesturing near the Tio Pepe sign.\" class=\"wp-image-20567\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Devour_Madrid_Ultimate_2024_0688.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Devour_Madrid_Ultimate_2024_0688-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Devour_Madrid_Ultimate_2024_0688-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Devour_Madrid_Ultimate_2024_0688-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Puerta de Sol, is one of the Madrid neighborhood names, that is more literal. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"La_Latina\"><\/span>La Latina<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Smack in the center of Madrid, <strong>La Latina takes its name from Beatriz Galindo.<\/strong> She was a writer and humanist and was the tutor of Queen Isabel, the Catholic Queen, and her children. Because <strong>Galindo was so impressively skilled in speaking, writing, and teaching the Latin language, she earned the nickname, \u201cLa Latina.\u201d&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The neighborhood is a tangle of narrow, curving cobblestone streets, many of which spill out into little plazas.&nbsp;While wandering around La Latina, pay close attention to the street and square names. These got their names based on the merchants who stayed here while they sold their goods at the market. For example: Plaza de la Paja (Straw Square) and Plaza de la Cebada (Barley Square) are just two examples.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Fun fact:<\/em><\/strong> Every Sunday morning, from 10am until around 3pm, La Latina is the home of El Rastro, one of the largest open-air flea markets in the world. It has hundreds of stalls selling an incomparable variety of new and used, modern and vintage, or artisan and antique objects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1200\" height=\"801\" src=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/el-rastro-plaza-cascorro-1.jpeg\" alt=\"People walking around El Rastro in Madrid. \" class=\"wp-image-19864\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/el-rastro-plaza-cascorro-1.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/el-rastro-plaza-cascorro-1-600x401.jpeg 600w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/el-rastro-plaza-cascorro-1-1024x684.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/el-rastro-plaza-cascorro-1-768x513.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">If you&#8217;re in Madrid on a Sunday, be sure to check out El Rastro in La Latina. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Barrio_de_las_Letras\"><\/span>Barrio de las Letras<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>As the name suggests, Barrio de las Letras is known for its literary inhabitants<\/strong> who spent time here during the 16th and 17th centuries. This was the Golden Age of Spanish writing and literature due to master wordsmiths such as  Cerventes, G\u00f3ngora, Lope de Vega, Triso de Molina, and Quevedo. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, while the neighborhood itself is nearly 5 centuries old, a lot of the buildings you see here today are from the 19th and 20th centuries. The ambient, narrow streets of Las Letras are flanked by numerous restaurants and bars and are a great place to relax and soak up the city atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Insider tip:<\/em><\/strong> Want to get to know the Literary Quarter up close and personal? Join us on our  <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/madrid-tours\/madrid-food-wine-tour\/\">Madrid Tapas &amp; Wine Tour<\/a> .<\/strong> We&#8217;ll enjoy bites and drinks from quirky taverns to historic spots turned chic eateries. Come with us for an evening that will leave you savoring every moment of your stay in Madrid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Devour_Madrid_Tapas-and-Wine-HR-0024.jpg\" alt=\"Four people stroll along a narrow, sunlit street in Madrid, passing shops, trees, and a red Flamenco sign overhead.\" class=\"wp-image-19854\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Devour_Madrid_Tapas-and-Wine-HR-0024.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Devour_Madrid_Tapas-and-Wine-HR-0024-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Devour_Madrid_Tapas-and-Wine-HR-0024-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Devour_Madrid_Tapas-and-Wine-HR-0024-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Walk around Las Letras neighborhood and admire buildings from the 19th and 20th centuries.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Salamanca\"><\/span>Salamanca<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This grid-like neighborhood north of the center was developed in the second half of the 19th century. This was when the city began to expand, thanks, in part, to Queen Isabella II. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>This Madrid neighborhood name comes from the designer Jos\u00e9 de Salamanca y Mayol, the Marquis of Salamanca.<\/strong> His vision was a neighborhood inhabited by the city\u2019s political and financial elite.&nbsp;He got his wish. Today the neighborhood of Salamanca is one of the poshest areas of the city. 5 star hotels, and premium restaurants, cafes, and upscale shops are frequented by \u201c<em>pijos<\/em>,\u201d (the Spanish word to describe preppy or posh people).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Toasting-at-a-bar.jpg\" alt=\"People toasting at a bar\" class=\"wp-image-19704\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Toasting-at-a-bar.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Toasting-at-a-bar-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Toasting-at-a-bar-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Toasting-at-a-bar-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Once you&#8217;ve shopped till you dropped, you&#8217;ll need to refuel at one of Salamanca&#8217;s restaurants.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Malasana\"><\/span>Malasa\u00f1a<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>North of Gran Via and east of Plaza de Espa\u00f1a, Malasa\u00f1a is the place to be, with hip bars, cafes and intriguing street art. It is the cradle of the <em>movida madrile\u00f1a<\/em>, the artistic counterculture movement that took place in the late 1970s and into the \u201880s in the wake of the death of dictator Francisco Franco.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The name Malasa\u00f1a<\/strong>, <strong>literally translated as \u201cBad Fury,<\/strong>\u201d<strong> is actually derived from Manuela Malasa\u00f1a. <\/strong>She was a heroine and victim of the May 2, 1802 massacre that took place here, when the Madrile\u00f1os rose up to fight the occupying French troops under Napoleon.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Devour_Madrid_Ultimate_2024_1028.jpg\" alt=\"A tour guide takes a group of people through one of the Madrid neighborhood areas, learning the origin behind the names \" class=\"wp-image-20569\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Devour_Madrid_Ultimate_2024_1028.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Devour_Madrid_Ultimate_2024_1028-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Devour_Madrid_Ultimate_2024_1028-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Devour_Madrid_Ultimate_2024_1028-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">For music, thrifting, and alternative scene lovers, Malasa\u00f1a is for you.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lavapies\"><\/span>Lavapi\u00e9s<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Lava = Wash + Pi\u00e9s = Feet: Washfeet. Lavapi\u00e9s might be the most curious neighborhood name in all of Madrid. <strong>No one is actually sure how the neighborhood began being called Lavapi\u00e9s. However, many attribute the moniker to the fountain in the neighborhood&#8217;s main square, Plaza de Lavapi\u00e9s.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These days Lavapi\u00e9s is well-known for its diverse immigrant community and there are restaurants that represent a wide spectrum of cultures. The area is also known for its hip cafes and bars, counter-culture book shops, clothes stores and graffiti. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Devour_Madrid_Ultimate_2024_0462.jpg\" alt=\"man in green shirt standing on wall in front of fruit stand in the Madrid neighborhood of Lavapies, whose name means &quot;wash feet&quot; \" class=\"wp-image-20564\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Devour_Madrid_Ultimate_2024_0462.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Devour_Madrid_Ultimate_2024_0462-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Devour_Madrid_Ultimate_2024_0462-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Devour_Madrid_Ultimate_2024_0462-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lavapi\u00e9s in one of the Madrid neighborhood names you need to know.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Chueca\"><\/span>Chueca<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Perhaps the least interesting thing about Chueca is the origin of its name. <strong>The plaza of this barrio took its name from Federico Chueca. He was a composer of <em>Zarzuela<\/em>, a genre of music that combines opera and a lot of drama.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Chueca was once a degraded no-go zone for non-locals. But its fortunes began to change in the 1970s. And a decade later in the \u201880s, the neighborhood became home to many people from the LGBTQ community.&nbsp;&nbsp;Stroll around this uber-trendy area today and you\u2019ll see an intriguing mix of people and  demographics, all happily in a co-existence together.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"660\" height=\"335\" src=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/metro_chueca.jpg\" alt=\"Rainbow-themed Chueca Metro sign in Madrid\u2019s gay district, with traditional Spanish architecture and LGBTQ+ pride flags in the background.\" class=\"wp-image-22678\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/metro_chueca.jpg 660w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/metro_chueca-600x305.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The iconic rainbow Metro sign at Chueca Station\u2014an enduring symbol of pride in the heart of the Madrid gay district.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Vallecas\"><\/span>Vallecas<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Historians can\u2019t agree on exactly where the name originates from. <strong>The Valle de Cas, or Vallecas, first appeared in writing in 1202. It refers to an oak forest just outside of Madrid,<\/strong> <strong>likely the place where the neighborhood now sits. There was a villa here, which is why the neighborhood is officially called Villa de Vallecas. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But, is Vallecas spelled \u201cVallecas\u201d or \u201cVallekas\u201d? It depends on who you ask. Indeed, during the Franco dictatorship, the neighborhood was a center of resistance.&nbsp;Spelling the name of the neighborhood with \u201ck\u201d instead of a \u201cc\u201d is a political act, a transgressive statement about the neighborhood\u2019s stance on politics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, the diverse neighborhood southeast of the center of Madrid is known for its working-class denizens, its ethnic diversity, and its counter-culture vibe. The bustling area is filled with no-frills but fun bars, including a few heavy metal-themed bars.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/DOSMASENLAMESA_DEVOUR_TOURS_MADRID_EXP_II_027-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Group of friends sipping small glasses of Spanish vermouth inside of a 100-year-old Madrid neighborhood bar\" class=\"wp-image-13434\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/DOSMASENLAMESA_DEVOUR_TOURS_MADRID_EXP_II_027-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/DOSMASENLAMESA_DEVOUR_TOURS_MADRID_EXP_II_027-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/DOSMASENLAMESA_DEVOUR_TOURS_MADRID_EXP_II_027-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/DOSMASENLAMESA_DEVOUR_TOURS_MADRID_EXP_II_027.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Vallecas is full of no-frills but fun bars to enjoy a drink with locals.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Prosperidad\"><\/span>Prosperidad<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1625, Philip IV ordered a new wall to be built around Madrid. And just over 200 years later, the city was expanding so quickly that the old walls could no longer contain it. And so, on July 19, 1860, the city officially decided to take down the walls and let the city spread far and wide.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s when a man named Prospero Soynard comes into play. <strong>In 1862, Soynard acquired some land north of the city, so he could divide it up and sell it. On December 14, 1862 bricklayer Pedro Prado and carpenter Gregorio Mayorga bought two plots of land from Prospero Soynard. The two men quickly began constructing houses in the area that would be called Prosperidad.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today the neighborhood, located about three miles northeast of Puerta del Sol in the center of Madrid, is a thriving residential neighborhood and is part of the larger Chamartin District.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Devour-Tours-Summit-2020-Photoshoot-Barcelona-Photography-by-Ben-Holbrook-160-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Repurposed wine barrel serves as a table top filled with Spanish tapas such as anchovies, potato chips, olives, cured meats, and cheese in a Madrid neighborhood bar.\" class=\"wp-image-13431\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Devour-Tours-Summit-2020-Photoshoot-Barcelona-Photography-by-Ben-Holbrook-160-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Devour-Tours-Summit-2020-Photoshoot-Barcelona-Photography-by-Ben-Holbrook-160-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Devour-Tours-Summit-2020-Photoshoot-Barcelona-Photography-by-Ben-Holbrook-160-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Devour-Tours-Summit-2020-Photoshoot-Barcelona-Photography-by-Ben-Holbrook-160.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Exploring Madrid&#8217;s neighborhoods wouldn\u2019t be complete without plenty of tapas!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ%C2%B4S_%E2%80%93_Madrid_neighborhood_names\"><\/span>FAQ\u00b4S &#8211; Madrid neighborhood names <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_was_Madrid_founded\"><\/span>When was Madrid founded?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Madrid\u2019s origins date back to the 9th century, when the Moors established a fortress on the banks of the Manzanares River. This small settlement, known as Mayrit (or Magerit), eventually grew into the thriving capital city we know today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_did_Madrid_become_the_capital_of_Spain\"><\/span>When did Madrid become the capital of Spain? <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Madrid officially became Spain\u2019s capital in 1561, when King Philip II moved his court there from Toledo. The decision was largely strategic, Madrid\u2019s central location made it the perfect administrative and political hub for ruling the entire country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Whats_the_story_behind_the_bear_and_strawberry_tree\"><\/span>What\u2019s the story behind the bear and strawberry tree?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>According to legend, the bear represents the strength and resilience of Madrid\u2019s people. The strawberry tree (madro\u00f1o) symbolizes the richness of the land that once surrounded the city. The pairing became Madrid\u2019s official emblem in the 13th century. It can still be seen today in the statue at Puerta del Sol, one of the city\u2019s most iconic landmarks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_longest_of_the_Madrid_neighborhood_names\"><\/span>What is the longest of the Madrid neighborhood names?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The longest neighborhood name in Madrid is <strong>&#8220;Casco Hist\u00f3rico de Vic\u00e1lvaro&#8221;<\/strong>, which translates to &#8220;Historic Centre of Vic\u00e1lvaro.&#8221; This neighborhood is part of the Vic\u00e1lvaro district and encompasses the original village that was incorporated into Madrid. It is the largest neighborhood within the district and has a rich history dating back to the 19th century<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/People-walking-around-Madrid-street-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Madrid neighborhood names reflect the rich history, a tour guide and a group of tourists can be seen passing shops and cafes as others relax at outdoor tables in the centre of Madrid\" class=\"wp-image-20752\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/People-walking-around-Madrid-street-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/People-walking-around-Madrid-street-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/People-walking-around-Madrid-street-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/People-walking-around-Madrid-street.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">There are so many hidden gems to discover, as you explore the different neighborhoods..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If this has given you a taste for Madrid, and the different barrios we mention above then join one of our expert local guides to learn even more about this historic capital city. Stroll through Madrid\u2019s iconic streets, uncover its vibrant history, and savor its rich culture on our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/madrid-tours\/Madrid-Walking-Tour\/\">Madrid in a Day Tour.<\/a> From royal palaces to hidden gems, let our expert guides bring the city to life.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Do you know these Madrid neighborhood names? From how they were named to what they&#8217;re known for today, here&#8217;s everything you need to know.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":20561,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[644,640],"tags":[666],"ppma_author":[667],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Madrid Neighborhood names - 10 of the most interesting origins<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Madrid neighborhood names have curious stories about them... find out their origins and what each barrio is known for today.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/madrid-neighborhood-names\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The Surprising Origin of 10 Madrid Neighborhood Names\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Do you know these Madrid neighborhood names? From how they were named to what they&#039;re known for today, here&#039;s everything you need to know.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/madrid-neighborhood-names\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Walks Tours Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/walkstours\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-11-07T08:59:48+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-10-27T14:22:46+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Devour_Madrid_Tapas-and-Wine-HR-0013.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"David Farley\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@walks\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@walks\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"David Farley\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"12 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/madrid-neighborhood-names#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/madrid-neighborhood-names\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"David Farley\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/de1fe35e0e847fbcb2ee882aab5fd9de\"},\"headline\":\"The Surprising Origin of 10 Madrid Neighborhood Names\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-11-07T08:59:48+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-10-27T14:22:46+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/madrid-neighborhood-names\"},\"wordCount\":2004,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/madrid-neighborhood-names#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Devour_Madrid_Ultimate_2024_0314.jpg?wsr\",\"keywords\":[\"Featured Tour_Homepage\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Madrid Art &amp; 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