Álvaro Iglesias Sánchez

Álvaro Iglesias Sánchez is a modest monument in Madrid honoring a young man who died saving the lives of strangers. The bronze bust stands on a hillside in Parque de Berlín, along Avenida Ramón y Cajal — a quiet corner of the city, far from the usual tourist trail but meaningful to Madrid's own history.

Who was Álvaro Iglesias Sánchez?

On 6 April 1982, a fire broke out in a building on Calle Carranza in Madrid. Álvaro Iglesias Sánchez, a 20-year-old local resident, went into the burning building three times, each time bringing out a person trapped inside. On his fourth attempt to reach more people, he did not make it out. His act made a strong impression on the city, and Madrid's authorities decided to commemorate him permanently. The monument was unveiled on 15 July 1982, only months after the events.

What will you see there?

The centerpiece is a bronze bust of Álvaro, set on a brick pedestal finished with polished black granite. Two granite slabs cap the pedestal and support the sculpture. The bust was created by Spanish sculptor Santiago de Santiago, who is also responsible for several other Madrid monuments, including the one dedicated to guitarist Andrés Segovia. The front of the pedestal carries an engraved inscription in green lettering: "MADRID A ÁLVARO IGLESIAS SÁNCHEZ 15-7-1982" — the city's tribute to its own hero. The overall design is understated rather than grandiose, which suits the quiet nature of the act it commemorates.

How do you get there?

The monument sits inside Parque de Berlín, in the Chamberí/Tetuán area north of central Madrid, along Avenida Ramón y Cajal. The park is open to the public and easily reached by public transport from the city centre — it's a calm, green neighbourhood popular with locals for walking and jogging, but rarely visited by tourists.

When should you visit?

Since the monument stands outdoors in a public park, it can be visited year-round. Spring and summer are the most pleasant seasons, when the park is at its greenest and a walk through the area naturally invites a longer stop at the memorial. It's a worthwhile detour for travelers interested in Madrid's lesser-known local stories rather than only its headline landmarks.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Álvaro Iglesias Sánchez? A 20-year-old Madrid resident who died in 1982 after rescuing three people from a fire in a building on Calle Carranza.

Where exactly is the monument located? In Parque de Berlín, on a hillside along Avenida Ramón y Cajal, in the northern part of central Madrid.

Who sculpted the bust? Santiago de Santiago, a sculptor also known for the monument to guitarist Andrés Segovia in Madrid.

Is there a plaque explaining the story? The inscription only gives the name and date, without describing the events — which is why some residents have proposed adding an explanatory plaque so visitors unfamiliar with the story can understand its significance.