Traditional Madrid,as popularised in the zarzuelas (Spanish folk opera),  had its main centre in the Lavapiés district. But today there is no trace of the Madrid men and girls about town,stock  zarzuela characters,except when they are revived for annual saint's day celebrations,such as that of la Paloma, or the fiestas in honour of the city's patron saint, San Isidro.

The most outstanding monument of this area is indisputably El Rastro, Madrid's  famous street market (click here), which every Sunday and
public holiday morning spills along the Ribera de Curtidores and surrounding streets. A must for anyone wanting to get to know the city.

Information and guide suministrated by El Consorcio de Turismo de Madrid