Plaza de Santa Ana, what to see in the heart of Madrid's Barrio de las Letras

If you are going to do your first tourist trip to MadridI tell you that if you don't visit the Santa Ana Square, you can't say you've been to Madrid.

It is not a place of striking monuments, but located in the very center of the city, very close to the Puerta del Sol and also from Prado Museum, I consider it to be one of the squares in the capital that has the greatest charm.

Surely the vast majority of Madrid residents and those who visit us and already know the square agree with this opinion.

La Santa Ana Square It is, above all, a place to enjoy a chat sitting on one of the numerous terraces that cover its entire pedestrian space.

It is also a square that combines culture with leisure, and is the heart of what is known as Neighborhood of the letters.

What to see and do in Plaza Santa Ana

Also known in the past as king alfonso square, its origin dates back to 1810 when the King Joseph I Bonaparte promoted an urban reform of that area of ​​Madrid,

During it he opened the space that the square now occupies, for which an old convent had to be demolished.

Spanish Theater in Plaza de Santa Ana in Madrid

Later, in 1880, other houses in the area were demolished so that the old square was incorporated into the square. Prince's Theater, currently known as Spanish Theater.

This is without a doubt the building that has the most prominence in the Plaza de Santa Ana in Madrid, whose façade at sunset I consider to be one of the icon images of Madrid.

This cultural spirit of the Plaza de Santa Ana, which is the door of the aforementioned Neighborhood of the letters, already has its origins at the end of the 16th century.

In this place the Prince's Corral, antecedent of the aforementioned theater of the same name and the current Spanish Theater.

Calderón de la Barca Monument in Plaza de Santa Ana

Literary authors share the spotlight in Santa Ana, with notable places such as monument of Calderon de la Barca and the most modern and simple statue of García Lorca.

The aforementioned monument of the author of Golden age It is a sculptural group that dates back to 1880.

Located in the west area of ​​the square, next to the figure of Calderon With ecclesiastical clothing, since he was a priest, there are sculptural reliefs that represent some of his most famous literary works.

Monument to García Lorca in Plaza de Santa Ana

In turn, the monument to García Lorca is located in front of the Spanish Theater and was made in 1986 by the sculptor Julio lópez.

Full-length and life-size, it shows the great poet of the 27 Generation with a lark in his hand about to take flight.

Former Reina Victoria hotel in Plaza de Santa Ana

From an architectural point of view, the current building will also catch your attention. ME Madrid Reina Victoria hotel.

This building has one of the most notable terraces From the center of the city, The Roof, which usually hosts events.

It is a building built in 1923, which was occupied by the Queen Victoria Grand Hotel, who achieved fame and became known as the Bullfighters Hotel.

And from the point of view of leisure, apart from the terraces that are always very lively at dusk or on holidays, I want to highlight the German Brewery, a classic among the numerous hospitality establishments in the square.

Also worth highlighting is the striking façade of the traditional flamenco tablao Villa Rosa, with its decorated ceramics.

Photos Santa Ana Square in Barrio de las Letras

In advance of your next visit, here is more photos of the Plaza de Santa Ana in Madrid.