In the heart of Madrid, an unusual route has emerged, inviting visitors to stroll through the streets where Miguel de Cervantes once lived and created. This is not just a walk around the city, but a true journey through time that lets you experience the spirit of the era when Spanish literature was at its peak.
The route begins in the historic center of the capital, where the presence of great writers can still be felt. As you wander through these streets, you are gradually immersed in an atmosphere where Cervantes himself becomes the main character. The journey connects the famous Barrio de las Letras with Alcalá de Henares, the author’s hometown, offering a glimpse into his life and work through the places where he lived, worked, and eventually found his final resting place.
In the Barrio de las Letras, considered the heart of literary Madrid, the paths of Lope de Vega, Góngora, Quevedo, and, of course, Cervantes once crossed. Here, on Huertas and Príncipe streets, the spirit of that era, when words were the main weapon, still lingers. On Huertas street, the building remains where Cervantes worked on “The Trials of Persiles and Sigismunda” and the second part of “Don Quixote.” Today, this site houses an old tavern that preserves the atmosphere of the past. Just a few steps away, at 87 Atocha street, stands the former printing house of Juan de la Cuesta, where “Don Quixote” was first published in 1605. Today, this building is home to the Sociedad Cervantina, and inside you can see a faithful replica of the historic printing press that produced the book which changed world literature.
The next stop leads to monuments dedicated to the great writer. In Plaza de las Cortes stands a statue of Cervantes created in the 19th century. In 2009, a time capsule was discovered beneath it containing rare editions of “Don Quixote” and the author’s biography. In Plaza de España, there’s a monument where, next to Cervantes’ figure, you can also find his most famous characters – Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. Another important site is the Monasterio de las Trinitarias on Lope de Vega street, where the remains of the writer and his wife are buried. It was here, after his release from Algerian captivity, that Cervantes found his final resting place. After his remains were discovered in 2015, the monastery became a true symbol of remembrance.
One should also remember such cultural institutions as the Cervantes Institute and the National Library, which carefully preserve original works and items related to the writer’s life.
The final stop on the route is Alcalá de Henares, the city where Cervantes was born. Here, visitors can explore his house-museum, the historic university, and the Colegio de San Ildefonso. Every year on April 23, International Book Day, Alcalá hosts the presentation of the most prestigious literary award in the Spanish-speaking world – the Cervantes Prize. On this day, the city fills with writers, scholars, and literature enthusiasts who come to pay tribute to the great author.
In spring and autumn, a special train runs along the route, departing from Atocha Station. Passengers are greeted by actors dressed as Cervantes’ characters, who perform scenes from his works during the journey, turning the trip into a true theatrical adventure.
Thus, Madrid and Alcalá de Henares continue to preserve and pass on the memory of the man who gave the world the most famous knight of all time.
