A way of life

Journey through history with the Royal Tapestry Factory, which in 2021 will celebrate 300 years since it first opened its doors. At the heart of its mission is the production and restoration of rugs, tapestries and coats of arms, in addition to conserving Spain’s textile heritage. Its guided tours invite us to discover how today’s […]

In the Café de Chinitas / said Paquiro to his brother: / ‘I am braver than you / a better bullfighter and a better gypsy’. These are verses that Federico García Lorca wrote as a tribute to the oldest Café Chantant in Spain and direct ancestor of today’s flamenco venues known in Spain as tablaos: Café de Chinitas in […]

Madrid is a city full of quirks. The capital city’s notoriety may stem from its status as Spain’s grandiose capital, but look past the wide boulevards, colossal monuments, and traditional bars, and you’ll spot an endless array of urban anomalies. Shaped by its tumultuous history, simmered by years of isolation, and brought to life by […]

Which famous landmark best represents Madrid? For many it would be Cibeles Fountain, for others the Prado Museum, Puerta de Alcalá, the Royal Palace, the Bear and the Strawberry Tree or Picasso’s Guernica. What a tough choice! Today, rather than opting for one of these famous attractions, I’ve decided to give an overview describing some of the other iconic […]

There’s always a huge amount of work behind any exhibition, as you can see in this video about the The Legacy of the House of Alba exhibition. The paintings, which are on display at CentroCentro Palacio de Cibeles and have already been seen by over 135,000 people, will be showcased till 21 April.

I recently enjoyed a family day-out with my friend Almudena de Benito, architect and creator of Chiquitectos (an architectural workshop for kids), and her son Martín who, together with Manuela, my daughter, could easily have passed for a 21st century Anthony and Cleopatra if they hadn’t both been wearing their break dancer gear.