Plaza de Lavapiés

History and description

While the origin of the name is somewhat unclear, Lavapiés was the name of a fountain formerly existing in the location of the current plaza.

Though intended as a simple widening of streets, the plaza became a marketplace and space for socialization. The square has been used as a place to voice opinions about local issues such as perceived gentrification and the increase of tourists in the area. The Sala Olimpia (a 1925 building by Secundino Zuazo) was demolished in 2001 and replaced by the Valle Inclán Theatre, inaugurated in 2006 to some local controversy.

The square is located in the administrative neighborhood of Embajadores (part of the Centro District). The Argumosa, Ave María, de la Fe, Lavapiés, Olivar, Sombrerete, Tribulete, and Valencia streets all converge in the square.

References

;Citations

;Bibliography

References

1. (5 August 2009). "Las fiestas más castizas de Madrid".
2. López López, Ángel. (8 August 2018). "Historia de Lavapiés. El latido de Madrid que resiste a lo largo del tiempo".
3. Domingo, M.R. (9 April 2015). "La fuente de las abluciones judías que forjó el mito del origen hebreo de Lavapiés".