Did a queen’s statue ever take a detour to the theater? In the heart of Madrid, the Isabel II Statue stands proudly in Plaza de Isabel II. This isn’t just any square; it’s also known as Plaza de Ópera, thanks to the Teatro Real opera house nearby. The statue of Queen Isabel II has a story as dramatic as any opera. Commissioned by Manuel López Santaella and sculpted by José Piquer Duart, the statue was originally placed in the square in 1868. However, just a year later, it was removed. It was moved to the Royal Theater, replaced by an allegorical sculpture of Comedy by Francisco Elías Vallejo. It wasn’t until 1905 that the Queen returned to her rightful place in the square. This square itself has a rich history. It occupies the site of the old Caños del Peral Theatre, which stood from 1738 to 1817. Even further back, the area was a ravine formed by the Arenal stream, serving as a natural defense for the city walls. Later, the ravine was filled in during Isabella II’s reign for the construction of the Teatro Real. The square even boasts remnants of Madrid’s medieval water system, the Fountain of the Canals of the Pear Tree, rediscovered in 1990 during renovations to the Ópera metro station. So, next time you visit the Isabel II Statue, remember its journey from square to theater and back again. It is a testament to the ever-changing story of Madrid.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to