Corralas (Las)

Typical urban architecture

Description

These communal courtyards are a feature of typical late-19th century Madrid apartment blocks in working class districts. The front door of each apartment opens on to a gallery above the courtyard where neighbours would mix socially. There aren't many of them left nowadays, but they live on in the popular consciousness because they appear so frequently in period literature. One of the best-preserved examples is in Plaza de Lavapiés, between Calle Sombrerete and Calle Tribulete. You'll find others on Calle Ruda, Ribera de Curtidores, and a modern version on Calle Embajadores, 37.