In the very heart of the Spanish capital, you can now follow in the footsteps of characters from the famous saga by Arturo Pérez-Reverte. A new literary tour transports participants to the atmosphere of 17th-century Madrid, when the city was alive with duels, intrigue, and poetic battles. The walk lasts just over two hours and covers the key locations where the adventures of Captain Alatriste unfolded.
The route begins at Plaza de Oriente and ends at Plaza de la Provincia. During the tour, participants stroll along historic streets that once pulsed with life: Plaza Mayor, Calle Arenal, Rinconada de San Ginés, and Convento de la Encarnación. Every corner holds memories of duels, secret meetings, and the daily lives of old Madrid’s residents.
Special attention is given to places where, according to the author, the paths of soldiers, writers, and ordinary townsfolk crossed. The majestic Plaza Mayor, opened in 1619, still impresses with its scale. Here, beneath the arcades, you can imagine novel characters discussing the latest news or preparing for their next duel. The prison was nearby, and in Rinconada de San Ginés you can still feel the spirit of the old taverns where adventurers and writers once gathered.
Immersion in the atmosphere of the old city
The route continues along Calle de Toledo and the historic trading quarters of Cava Alta and Cava Baja. Echoes of the past can still be felt here: these were gathering spots for soldiers, writers, and merchants once upon a time, discussing their affairs and making plans. This walk offers not only a glimpse into the everyday life and traditions of a bygone era, but also a chance to feel part of history.
The Literary Route is not just a tour, but a chance to see the city through the eyes of Pérez-Reverte’s characters. Together with his daughter Carlota, the author created an entire world where honor, danger, and a passion for life intertwine. The Captain Alatriste novels have been translated into dozens of languages and have become a hallmark of contemporary Spanish literature.
Legacy and modernity
The organizers emphasize: this walk is a chance not only to discover architectural monuments, but to experience living history. Every step along the cobbled streets recalls the days when Madrid was the heart of an empire and Europe’s cultural capital. New literary genres were born here, and the poetry of Lope de Vega, Quevedo, and Góngora once echoed through its streets.
Literary tours are becoming increasingly popular with both locals and visitors. They offer a fresh take on familiar streets and a sense of connection to ages past. A stroll through Alatriste’s Madrid is not just a journey through time—it’s an invitation to rediscover beloved novels and find new meaning within them.
