Calle de la Libertad

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.

On 1 January 1809, María de la Soledad Micaela Agustina Desmaisieres y López de Dicastillo, Viscountess of Jorbalán, was born at number 8 of this street. Decades later she renounced her title and her fortune, founded the Adoratrices Esclavas del Santísimo Sacramento y de la Caridad, and died of cholera while tending the sick in Valencia in 1865. She was beatified in 1925 and canonized in 1934. A plaque at number 10 recalls her on the façade.