“Those pale yellow houses” a local once told me. They’re called the Colonia Pico del Pañuelo. A unique part of Madrid’s history.
This triangular neighborhood sits in Arganzuela. It’s right across from Matadero Madrid. It’s also near the Ayuntamiento Workshops. Architect Fernando de Escondrillas designed it. He built it between 1927 and 1930. He created it for the workers at the nearby slaughterhouse.
These homes were innovative for their time. They were among the first in Spain to use reinforced concrete. This is why they survived the Spanish Civil War. The area was close to the battlefront. The original plans though didn’t call for reinforced concrete. They only mentioned concrete for the foundations. The pillars and beams were meant to be metal.
The Colonia Pico del Pañuelo is more than just houses. It’s a collection of 74 buildings. There are over 1500 apartments. Each apartment is less than 50 square meters. The buildings are grouped into five triangular modules. The Sociedad Constructora y Beneficiaria de Casas Baratas was the construction company. They were called “cheap houses”. The name Pico del Pañuelo comes from its shape. It looks like a folded handkerchief on a map.
The Colonia Pico del Pañuelo has been in many Spanish films and TV shows. These include Felices Pascuas Entre las piernas and Cosas que hacen que la vida valga la pena. TV series like La valla and Patria also featured it. In Patria the Colonia stood in for Berlin.
Today the Colonia Pico del Pañuelo is a mix of people. It’s a lively part of Madrid. It reflects the changing city around it. It shows how a neighborhood built for workers has adapted and continues to live. It’s a testament to its sturdy construction and enduring spirit. The pale yellow houses still stand. They tell a story of resilience and history. A story of Madrid itself.