Sol in Madrid, Spain — Southwestern Europe (Iberian Peninsula)
Monasterio de San Felipe
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, April 18, 2022
1. Monasterio de San Felipe Marker
In this place from 1547 was the Monastery of San Felipe, famous for both its steps and the gossip there originating "from where the news came out before the events".
Erected 1991 by Ayuntamiento de Madrid.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the City of Madrid - "Yellow Diamond" series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1547.
Location. 40° 24.99′ N, 3° 42.276′ W. Marker is in Madrid. It is in Sol. It is at the intersection of Calle Mayor and Plaza del Sol, on the left when traveling west on Calle Mayor. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Calle Mayor 1, Madrid 28013, Spain. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, in Europe, in the European Union, in Atlantic Europe, on the Iberian Peninsula, in the Schengen Area, in a coastal Mediterranean country, and in the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Byzantine Empire, a Spanish colony, and the Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Hans Christian Andersen (a few steps from this marker); Dos de Mayo Uprising Memorial
this page online
Also see . . .
1. Monasterio de San Felipe (Memoria de Madrid). A short piece in Spanish on the Monastery
Excerpt (in translation): "In the Golden Age, the monumentality of the complex on the outside allowed it to house an unparalleled environment, both on the steep steps that went up to the Temple, raising it from street level, and in the space on the sides next to the street, which became commercial premises, especially booksellers and that the common people came to call "the covachuelas" of San Felipe. Many of the first editions of our twine-book classics were sold here.(Submitted on May 7, 2022.)
This place was so well located that it was a true viewpoint of urban life and desires. There they were finding out about everyone and everything. That is whyVιlez de Guevara in "El diablo Cojuelo" says that "it is the gossip of the soldiers, from where the news comes out before the events", referring ironically to the speed with which the news even spread - and there the mockery - before it happened...."Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, April 18, 20222. Monasterio de San Felipe Marker - wide viewThe marker is visible here about 4 meters up, between the two shop windows.
2. Convento de San Felipe el Real (Wikipedia).
Excerpt (with minor corrections): "During 16th century the convent had a strong walls to isolate the convent from life outside and the bustle of the Puerta del Sol. The construction of the facade by architect Juan Gutiιrrez Toribio created a stepped surface that was called Lonja de San Felipe. Madrid's inhabitants gathered in this area to exchange news, rumors, calumnies, inventions, secrets and opinions. For this reason it was called the "mentidero" of Madrid. The steps of San Felipe (Las Gradas de San Felipe) were also a gathering place to recruit soldiers destined for the Spanish Netherlands during the War of Flanders. One day, due to the weight caused by the crush of people gathered on it to witness the imprisonment of a reprobate, the balcony of the lonja collapsed. The accident caused many deaths and injuries."(Submitted on May 7, 2022.)
courtesy of Wikipedia, 1600s
3. Las Gradas de San Felipe
Credits. This page was last revised on August 30, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 7, 2022, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 398 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 7, 2022, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
