Casa de Lope de Vega

Casa de Lope de Vega Review

Considered the Shakespeare of Spanish literature, Fray Lope Félix de la Vega Carpio (1562-1635) is best known as Lope de Vega. A contemporary and adversary of Cervantes, he wrote some 1,800 plays and enjoyed great success during his lifetime. His former home is now a museum with an intimate look into a bygone era: everything from the whale-oil lamps and candles to the well in the tiny garden and the pans used to warm the bedsheets brings you closer to the great dramatist. The space was enlarged in 2008 and now accommodates poetry readings and workshops. There is a 45-minute guided tour in English starting every half hour (reservations are necessary) that runs through the playwright's professional and personal life—including his intense love life—and also touching on 17th-century traditions. Don't miss the Latin inscription over the door: "Parva Propia Magna / Magna Aliena Parva" (small but mine big / big but someone else's small).