Get to Know Chamberí the district in Madrid – Spain
Madrid is a city divided into 21 districts and one of them it is Chamberí district, which is integrated at the same time by 6 neighborhoods and all of them, has different characteristics.
The names of these zones are Gatzambide, Arapiles, Trafalgar, Río Rosas and Vallehermoso.
Chamberí district is part of the so-called « central almond » of the city and has approximately 150.000 habitants.
What to see in Chamberí district
It is worth to mention its proximity with de “Golden Mile” in Salamanca’s district and with the Real Madrid Stadium in Chamartín.
But also, in the district we can find several museums such as Sorolla Museum or the Geominero Museum and nearby the Vallehermoso Market, “Casa México” or Plaza de Olavide, as well libraries a many other parks and gardens as the Enrique Herrero.
Chamberí is close to University City and because of that, a large number of students choose their accommodation in this neighborhood. Besides you can find a high number of activities and events organized by the city hall and the neighbors.
Its strategic location in the center-north of the city makes Chamberí a district very well connected with the rest of the city due to the amount of buses in the area, in addition to the metro lines.
Sorolla Museum
Chamberí’s Architecture
The abundance of modernist and “neo-mudéjar” buildings that are preserved in this district is really impressive, not only residential buildings, but institutions, churches and general infrastructures.
It is worth highlight all the buildings declared as national monuments such as the House of Flowers, the “Canal de Isabel II”, Villamejor Palace, the Water Fountain and the Church of San Fermín de los Navarros.
Between its most important street we can mention “La Glorieta de Rubén Darío”, which is bordering “Paseo de la Castellana” where Almagro street ends and Miguel Ángel street begins and it’s crossed by “Paseo Eduardo Dato”.
This area is pretty safe and it’s listed as residence, quiet in the evening but very hectic during working day. One of our buildings: “Edificio Escultor” is located on Miguel Angel street, where you can find different types of apartments for rent.
The neighborhood is quite safe since there is even a Police Station next-door and the Ombudsman. In addition, there several metro stations around that can get you to some interesting spots of the city.
For instance, the building is almost in front of Rubén Darío metro station (l5), which is a straight line to « Gran Vía » and downtown.
On the opposite side there is Gregorio Marañón (L10 & L7) which is direct line to Bernabéu Stadium, and last but not least Iglesia (L1) that can get you to the popular « Puerta del Sol » and some other interesting places in the center.
Within the neighborhood, there are a few restaurants such as Sushita Café, VIPs, Panthera or Fortuny 7 Nightclub. Besides, a lot of bars, supermarkets, pharmacies, banks or clothing stores just a couple minutes walking away.
Chamberí’s growth
In the Middle Age, Chamberi’s lands were covered with forests and were used for hunting by members of the court, but with Carlos I, the trees began to be felled and the land became pastureland.
The first houses, avenues and trees built in Chamberí happened at the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th, but at the same time the first industries dedicated to manufacture bricks and tiles also appeared.
Almagro’s hood was the first area fully urbanized and later it would be Trafalgar and Arapiles hoods. Eventually, from the beginning of the 20th century, Spanish aristocrats settled in Almagro’s neighborhood.
Afterwards in 1850 there were in Chamberí a total of 15 factories, including a tapestry fabric, some of chemical products and foundries.
These industries were relocating from the district in the second half of the 20th century and the lots turned into the current housing blocks.
As regard with the old palaces or stately homes, these are currently occupied by public administrations, embassies or hotels.
In the last decade, public investment in the district has been focused on expanding public spaces and that is why some important works have been done to improve traffic, such as the underground passage of Río Rosa-Filipinas.
What else to visit near Chamberí district
Since Chamberí is a neighborhood very well connected with the entire city it’s easy to get to the magnificent Retiro Park or to the so-called “Financial heart” of Madrid.
From this location, you can start the post about visiting Madrid in one day.
However, you might also be interested in some tips for your first visit to Madrid or a few other places you should not miss on your second visit to Madrid.
Where to stay in Madrid | Our Accommodations
If you are looking for a place to stay near to the district, please take a look to our accommodations in Chamartín or Salamanca. There we have all types of apartments and you can stay for days or weeks in “Edificio Escultor” next to Serrano street.
Since we have different types of apartments, here there is a list of apartments for companies or a list of apartments for students.
Otherwise, if you intend to be a new homeowner or an investor in the city, please visit the Golden Visa page, as we can help you maximize the profits of your investment and get you a residence card.
