Wenceslao Fernández Flórez Plaque

Fernández Flórez, a name etched in time and on this very plaque. Here at number 12 Calle de Alberto Aguilera, the spirit of Wenceslao Fernández Flórez lingers. The Wenceslao Fernández Flórez Plaque marks the building where he crafted his renowned “Crónicas Parlamentarias,” capturing the political pulse of Spain. Fernández Flórez, a journalist and writer, called this place home from the 1920s until his death in 1964. The plaque itself is a testament to his legacy, unveiled in 2008, a joint tribute by Madrid’s Mayor, Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón, and the Minister of Culture, César Antonio Molina. They recognized him as a literary giant. This act, 44 years after his passing, sought to rectify the past neglect of a man whose wit sometimes masked the seriousness of his observations. Fernández Flórez, often dubbed the “successor of Azorín,” possessed a unique blend of discretion, wit, responsibility, and courtesy. He understood the nuances of history, seeing beyond simple black and white. This perspective, however, led to his condemnation by both sides during the Spanish Civil War. Despite not collaborating with either faction, his refusal to take sides earned him disapproval. He famously stated, “As anger wasn’t in my nature, I preferred mockery.” This building witnessed the creation of not just his political commentary but also nearly 40 novels and short stories. Many celebrated his beloved Galicia, reflecting the naturalism of Eça de Queiroz and the ironic skepticism of Anatole France. Remember the Wenceslao Fernández Flórez Plaque as more than just a marker. It signifies a life dedicated to words, a life that intertwined with the very fabric of this city and this nation.