Madrid Moderno Madrid
Tiny turn-of-the-century colony
Do you love getting lost in a new city? Love the feeling of being like an intrepid explorer, so far off the beaten track that even the Instagrammers haven’t posted about it yet? Well, I’m sorry but we have to accept that nowhere is secret any more!
Don’t be sad though, even if it’s out there, some places just don’t filter through and never achieve viral status. For example, the few streets and buildings that were part of the “ Colonia Madrid Moderno” are still off the 'grammers’ radar for the most part and are well worth taking a look around.
Built between 1890 and 1906, these small “hotelitos” were constructed when this area was undeveloped land, and were intended as weekend retreats and summer houses. The project was plagued by delays, but finally, about 100 terraced houses were finished. Their modernist look combines with the “neomudéjar” style, characterised by colourful tiles and bicolour bricks. I find them delightfully incongruous — certainly, they’re quite unlike anything else you can see in Madrid.
You’ll find them in an area with plenty of bars and restaurants full of locals, between the city’s bullring at Ventas and the lovely Eva Perón Park. Go check it out, and I promise you will spend a lovely afternoon getting lost in Roma, Castelar and Cardenal Belluga streets.
About this spot
Colonia Madrid Moderno, Calle de Castelar
- 247
€
free
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