SANTA CRUZ SQUARE, Introduction
- Audio File length: 1.45
- Author: STEFANO ZUFFI E DAVIDE TORTORELLA
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Language: English / USA
Hi, I'm James, your personal guide. Together with MyWoWo, I'd like to welcome you to one of the wonders of the world.
Today I'll accompany you through Plaza de Santa Cruz, which is one of Madrid's locations that is most chock-full of memories!
The square you are standing in is the heart of the "Lavapies" neighborhood, which literally means "foot-washing": you may wonder why it has this strange name. You should know that the Jewish community was once concentrated here, and used a fountain for ritual washing. The fountain gave the square the name Lavapies, which then extended to the entire neighborhood.
As you can see, Plaza de Santa Cruz is dominated by the imposing palace of the same name. Yet the square isn't named after this building, but the recent church that was built to replace a building which had been demolished to make way for the square. You can reach the church by turning left in Calle Atocha....