Madrid revives its literary history with the opening of the printing house where 'Don Quixote' was born

A journey into Madrid's literary past

The Spanish capital takes a significant step in preserving its rich cultural heritage with the opening to the public of the historic printing house that saw the birth of the first edition of The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha. This emblematic space, located at number 87 Atocha Street, will begin welcoming visitors from 7 April, offering a unique opportunity to explore one of the pillars of the Spanish Golden Age.

Visits will take place on Tuesdays at 18:30 and Sundays at 12:00, extending until November, with a brief break in July. Each tour will last approximately one hour and will require prior reservation. The cost per ticket is five euros, plus a small commission for using the digital reservation platform.

The printing house, managed by the Cervantes Society, is not only a place where Don Quixote was printed but also represents an important cultural legacy. According to the Culture Councillor, Mariano de Paco Serrano, this site is unique in the world, as Madrid is the only region that preserves a space directly linked to this literary masterpiece.

Throughout the tour, visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a recreated environment that simulates the actual operation of a 17th-century printing house. Detailed explanations of traditional printing processes will provide a fascinating insight into how influential books like Don Quixote were produced. Additionally, relevant aspects of the life and work of the author Miguel de Cervantes and other contemporaries such as Lope de Vega and Francisco de Quevedo will be addressed.

This project not only aims to attract literature lovers but also to foster a greater appreciation for Madrid's historical heritage. The collaboration between the Community of Madrid and the Cervantes Society underscores their joint commitment to cultural preservation and promotion. Tickets are available for online purchase through the official website of the latter entity.

As this new tourist-cultural cycle progresses, Madrid reaffirms its position as a global literary epicentre. The opening to the public not only celebrates one of the most significant achievements in Spanish literary history but also invites everyone to rediscover the cultural roots that have shaped the country.