Madrid is a city full of interesting tales and legendary people dating back centuries. But the story of Ángeles Rodríguez Hidalgo, who inspired this famous statue, is one of my favourites.
Ángeles Rodríguez was born in Argentina in 1900 and relocated to Spain as a small child. She was left to raise five children after being widowed at the age of 41 and worked as an assistant and at the Post Office. She led a modest life in the working-class neighbourhood of Vallecas and did not achieve notoriety until her seventies.
Ángeles probably expected to live out her life like a normal grandmother until the night that her grandson took her to a heavy metal concert. She fell in love with the music and her life changed. Madrid in the 1980s was certainly rocking and she became a fixture in the city’s music scene, always going out in her famous leather jacket and cap. She regularly contributed to radio shows, El búho and Parada, and, into her 90’s, had a weekly column in Heavy Rock magazine, titled La abuela consulta.
She passed away in 1993 at the ripe age of 93. Her legacy lives on in this sculpture, created by artist Carmen Jorba, of Ángeles in her classic clothing, giving the rock salute. While Ángeles’ statue is outside the central core, it is worth the trip to Vallecas to get a sense of her neighbourhood and put her story into context. Come and hang out with her sometime!
Find your way with 264 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
The top dishes for me are the pancakes with sweet and savoury fillings (all gluten-free) and the Middle Eastern inspired offerings, especially the falafel.
by
Whether you're in the mood for fluffy pancakes dripping in honey, a hearty avocado toast, or a classic eggs Benedict, Adorado Bar has you covered.
by
The heart of their offerings is the legendary piri piri sauce - a spicy, tangy concoction that elevates the succulent grilled chicken to a whole new level.
by
This harmonious blend is evident in every dish, from the petite, intricately crafted bites to the more substantial, hearty plates.
by
A standout feature is its nod to traditional Spanish cuisine with a selection of casquería (offal dishes) paying homage to age-old culinary traditions.
by
Unlike the pan-fried versions found closeby, their shaobing is grilled to perfection, giving it a distinct texture & flavor that's both rustic and refined.
by
If you are reading this, it's because you're looking for somewhere authentic and off the tourist trail in Madrid. "La Nueva"will give you that...
by
"Pizza Posta" in Lavapies, Madrid, makes Argentinian pizza - thick, pillowy and crispy on the outside...
by
Asturian gastronomy offers some of the most comforting dishes in Spain, and "El Ñeru" restaurant is one of the best ambassadors we have in Madrid...
by
"SilverwoodBloom" in Madrid sells an intriguing assortment of niche products and objects for beautifying your home. I simply want them all!
by
"NAP" Madrid - Neapolitan Authentic Pizza - is for eating pizza, period, and that's why the restaurant has few other options. But that's a good thing!
by
264 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 264 Insider Tips