Malasaña

Malasaña is an area of Madrid famous for its trendy alternative scene. Centred around Plaza Dos De Mayo, it is reminiscent of Camden Town in London, the East Village in New York City, or Barrio Alto in Lisbon, although the layout is quite different and the emphasis is less on shops and more on bars.

Malasaña neighborhood was the center of La Movida movement in late 1970s and 1980s in Madrid. It is vibrant scene full of lively bars and clubs overflowing with a lot of people. Its streets are currently being renovated, making it a much more attractive quarter (the streetworks are almost finished). It's one of the classic areas for partying the night away. The area's center is the Plaza del Dos de Mayo (in commemoration of a popular uprising on May 2, 1808, against the French invassion, it was brutally repressed by the French troops and it became the spark that started the Spanish Independence War).

The name Malasaña comes from the 15-year old girl Manuela Malasaña who once lived on the street San Andrés. She was executed by the French following the uprising in 1808. Today there is a street named in her honour very close to the roundabout Glorieta de Bilbao.

source wikipedia.org

Manu Chao said it: "me gusta Malasaña, me gustas tú" (I like Malasaña, I like you)

Calle de la Mina (Malasaña)

Calle de la Mina is one of the typical streets in Malasaña. Narrow and very "castiza".

Plaza del Dos de Mayo (Malasaña)

This popular plaza was the scene of historical events during the War of Independence against Napoleon´s troops, in 1808. The central arch was the entrance to the Monteleón barracks, where Madrid's defenders rose to arms.

Two captains, Daoiz and Velarde, who led the Spanish people and troops are commemorated here with statues. Other heroes of the same war, like Ruiz and Manuela Malasaña, have nearby streets named after them.

The square became famous in the 80´s as part of La Movida. Today, it's still full of lively bars, clubs and sidewalk cafés.