La Latina

Overview

La Latina is Madrid's most atmospheric historic barrio—a labyrinth of steep medieval streets, tiny plazas, and ancient churches that comes alive every Sunday with the enormous El Rastro flea market and the ritual of post-market tapas.

Highlights

• Calle de la Cava Baja: Arguably Madrid's most famous tapas street, lined end-to-end with tiny traditional taverns and innovative pintxos bars.
• Sunday Caña Ritual: After El Rastro market, locals flood the plazas around La Latina metro for the tradition of standing outside with a caña (small beer) and tapas.
• San Andrés Church: A striking brick-and-stone church overlooking the lively Plaza de la Paja.

History

The neighbourhood takes its name from Beatriz Galindo, "La Latina," a 15th-century woman scholar who taught Latin to Queen Isabella I of Castile. The area preserves Madrid's oldest street layout, predating the Habsburg-era expansion.

Visitor Tips

• Sunday: Visit on Sunday to experience El Rastro market flowing into the epic post-market tapas crawl along Cava Baja and around Plaza de la Cebada.
• Explore Vertically: The steep topography means hidden stairways and elevated viewpoints around every corner.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.