Calle de Javier Ferrero

Behind the name is an architect who died young and left a vast mark on the landscape of Madrid. Francisco Javier Ferrero Llusiá (1891-1936) embraced rationalism around 1926, with clean geometric forms. His signature is on works any Madrilenian has crossed without knowing it: the great fruit market of Legazpi, the fish market by the Puerta de Toledo, the viaduct on calle de Bailén over the old city. His most remembered work no longer exists. The Olavide market, octagonal in plan, a geometric oddity in the heart of Chamberí, was blown up in 1974 amid protests. In its place a square with a fountain remained. Ferrero never saw it: he died during the defense of Madrid in the civil war.