Casa de Tócame Roque Plaque

Amidst the vibrant tapestry of Madrid’s history, there’s a curious tale woven into the very fabric of the city. It’s the story of Casa de Tócame Roque, a name whispered in the streets, a place that once echoed with boisterous life. Right here, at the intersection of Calle Barquillo and Calle Belén, in the heart of the Justicia district, a plaque marks the spot where this legendary dwelling once stood. Casa de Tócame Roque wasn’t just a house; it was a microcosm of Madrid’s vibrant, chaotic spirit. Imagine a bustling corrala, a type of communal housing, overflowing with life, laughter, and the clang of hammers. Seventy-two families called this place home, sharing its crowded corridors and lively patios. Many of them were chisperos, blacksmiths who plied their trade right here in the courtyard, their hammers ringing out a symphony of industry. The air would have been thick with the scent of coal smoke, the rhythmic clang of metal on metal a constant backdrop to the everyday dramas unfolding within. Casa de Tócame Roque earned its peculiar name from a family feud. Two brothers, Juan and Roque, inherited the property, but the inheritance was poorly documented. Their constant bickering, punctuated by the exasperated cry of “Tócame Roque” (or “Touch me, Roque”) from Juan, became a source of amusement for the neighbors. The phrase “Parece la casa de Tócame Roque,” meaning, “It looks like Tócame Roque’s house,” took root, signifying a place of utter chaos and commotion. Ramón de la Cruz, a prominent playwright of the 18th century, immortalized the house in his sainete “La Petra y la Juana,” further cementing its place in Madrid’s cultural memory. But the story doesn’t end there. By the mid-19th century, the once-vibrant Casa de Tócame Roque had fallen into disrepair. The city ordered its demolition. Its residents, however, were not ready to give up their home without a fight. They barricaded themselves inside, resisting eviction for over a year in a series of dramatic standoffs. Although the house is long gone, the plaque serves as a tangible reminder of its tumultuous history. It’s a testament to the resilient spirit of its inhabitants and the enduring power of a good story. So, next time you hear the expression “Parece la casa de Tócame Roque,” remember the story of this extraordinary house, the blacksmiths, the feuding brothers, and the tenacious residents who fought for their home right here in the heart of Madrid.