Calle de la Libertad

Chueca·Justicia

The name comes from the Convento de San Fernando, founded in 1676 by Teresa María Ángela de Velasco, marquise of Aguilafuente, and served by Mercedarian nuns whose mission was the redemption of captive Christians. The abstract noun “liberty” refers here not to a political idea but to the concrete act of freeing: ransoming prisoners from captivity. It was popular usage that reduced the convent’s long name to the word that captured its purpose.

The word here refers not to a political idea but to the act of freeing captives. It springs from the Convento de San Fernando, founded by Teresa María Ángela de Velasco, marquise of Aguilafuente, and served by Mercedarian nuns devoted to redeeming imprisoned Christians. Popular usage reduced the convent’s long name to the word that captured its purpose. On that convent plot later rose one of the liveliest theaters of the Madrid of its day: the Teatro de la Alhambra, opened in 1870 and redecorated in 1877 with horseshoe arches true to its name. It was a home of the género chico until it was demolished in 1905. At number 16 La Carmencita still stands, a tavern serving since 1854.

Its names

  • Los Carmelitasdocumentado en 1656 (plano de Texeira)
  • Calle de Santa Bárbara17th century (anterior al traslado del convento)
  • Calle de San Fernandoreinado de Fernando 7th (ca. 1814-1833)
  • Calle de la Libertaddesde mid 19th century (uso consolidado)
Sources (7)

Crossings