Antonio Mingote

The Antonio Mingote monument is a small but meaningful piece of public art in Madrid, honoring one of Spain's most recognizable cartoonists and journalists of the 20th century. It's a stop for anyone curious about the history of Spanish press and satire rather than a heavily touristed landmark — which means you can take it in quietly and at your own pace.

Who was Antonio Mingote?

Ángel Antonio Mingote Barrachina, known simply as Mingote, was a Spanish cartoonist, writer and journalist. For nearly sixty years — from 1953 until his death in 2012 — he published a daily satirical cartoon in the newspaper "ABC", one of the country's leading publications. His drawings accompanied several generations of readers, commenting on political and social events of the day in a distinctive, light-handed style. He was also given the title of 1st Marquess of Daroca, a sign of how highly his contribution to Spanish culture was regarded.

What will you see at the monument?

The monument sits in central Madrid and offers a modest, understated tribute to the artist — a place better suited to quiet reflection than to dramatic photo backdrops. It appeals to anyone interested in the press, comic art or political satire, and shows how the city chooses to remember creators who worked outside the worlds of politics or the fine arts. It pairs well with a walk through the surrounding streets of the city center, which is exactly how most visitors and locals come across small, meaningful details like this one.

How to get there?

The location sits right in central Madrid, within walking distance of the capital's main tourist landmarks. The easiest approach is public transport — metro or bus to one of the central stations — followed by a short walk. Visitors exploring Madrid on foot can easily work the monument into a route connecting other, larger attractions nearby in the city center.

When to visit?

Since this is an open-air monument, it's accessible year-round at any time of day. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons to see it, when Madrid's temperatures are milder and the light works better for photos. In summer, aim for the morning or evening hours to avoid the peak heat typical of the Spanish capital.

Who is it for?

This spot appeals especially to anyone interested in media history, satire or press cartoons, as well as travelers who want to see Madrid beyond the usual circuit of museums and palaces. A brief stop at the monument fits naturally into a longer walk through the city center.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Antonio Mingote? He was a Spanish cartoonist, writer and journalist, best known for the daily satirical cartoons he published in the newspaper "ABC" from 1953 until his death in 2012.

Why does Madrid have a monument to him? The monument was created to honor his decades-long contribution to Spanish press and satirical culture — Mingote was one of the most recognizable figures in the history of Spanish cartoon journalism.

Is it worth the detour to see the monument? Yes, especially if you're interested in press history or looking for less obvious spots in Madrid — it's a quick but worthwhile stop on a walk through the center.

Is there an entrance fee? No, the monument is located in a public space and is freely accessible at any time of day.