Perhaps you noticed the street name. We are standing in front of Edificio Concepciòn Arenal on Calle de Concepciòn Arenal. This street honors a remarkable woman. Concepciòn Arenal was a pioneering writer and jurist. She was a champion of women’s rights.
Before it was named after Concepciòn Arenal, this street was called Calle del Horno de la Mata. This name appeared on maps as early as 1656. The origin of that name has two stories. One story speaks of bread shortages. The ovens of Villanueva could not produce enough bread. People relied on bread from Vallecas. To solve this, monks gave their land. This allowed Juan Mateo de la Mata to build a new bakery. The other story says a lush shrub grew near the convent’s land. The name came from the shrub, not a surname.
The Edificio Concepciòn Arenal is on a street with a rich history. In the past, number 7 on this street was home to Sociedad Fomento de las Artes. It was founded in 1847. Inocencio Riesco wanted to provide education for the working class. The society later became Fomento de las Artes in 1859. It became a hub for Republicans in the late 19th century.
Interestingly, the satirical newspaper El Padre Cobos had its first office at number 19. Also, around 1845, the romantic writer Gertrudis Gòmez de Avellaneda lived at number 9.
Let’s talk about Travesía del Horno de la Mata. It is a narrow passage connecting Concepciòn Arenal to Calle de Mesonero Romanos. It appeared as Calle del Viento on Espinosa’s map. Juan Esplandiú and Carlos Sáenz de Tejada shared a studio there. A young Jacinto Guerrero composed zarzuelas there like Los Gavilanes.
The street also inspired Pío Baroja. He set the bakery of Manuel, the main character of La Busca, here. Manuel worked for a sentimental German baker.
The street Concepciòn Arenal has changed over time. It was affected by the construction of the Gran Vía. Before that, it connected Avenida de Pío y Margall to Calle de la Luna. This area was part of the old neighborhoods of Tudescos and San Luis. It belonged to the parish of San Martín.
The Hostal Concepcion Arenal is nearby. It is a two-star hotel near Teatro Cofidis Alcázar. It is a short walk from Gran Vía metro station.
So, the Edificio Concepciòn Arenal stands on a street full of stories. From bakeries to writers, this street has witnessed much. It is named after a woman who loved science. She comforted those in pain. Concepciòn Arenal’s legacy lives on in this street’s name.