Casa a la malicia Madrid
Architectural medieval trick
Beatriz from Madrid
In the heart of La Latina, along the quiet Calle de los Mancebos, stands a peculiar and mysterious building: one of Madrid’s few surviving casas a la malicia. At first glance, it seems like a modest, single-story home, but it’s only playing tricks on you.
These “malice houses” date back to the 16th century, when residents tried to avoid the heavy burden of royal lodging laws by disguising their homes. If a building appeared to have only one floor from the outside, it could escape the crown’s requirement to house royal officials or troops. Inside, however, hidden upper levels and inner staircases reveal the ingenuity of those who preferred privacy and autonomy over royal imposition.
This particular house is one of the few that still stand as a testament to that era of civic cunning. Its location, tucked into the old medieval grid of La Latina, adds to the intrigue, often going unnoticed by those exploring nearby landmarks like the Plaza de la Paja or the Segovia Viaduct.
I love showing people this spot because it captures something very madrileño: a quiet resistance, a touch of wit, and a deep connection to the layered, sometimes subversive, history of the city. A true hidden gem for anyone curious about the stories behind the stones.
Madrid Spotter Beatriz
About this spot
Calle de los Mancebos 11
- 247
€
no-price
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