Commemorative plaque to Alberto Aguilera, Madrid

The commemorative plaque to Alberto Aguilera sits on a residential building at Calle de la Magdalena 6 in Madrid's Centro district, right at the edge of Lavapiés. It's a modest marker, easy to miss among the surrounding facades, but it points to a figure whose name is far more visible elsewhere in the city — on the busy Calle de Alberto Aguilera in the Argüelles neighborhood.

Who was Alberto Aguilera?

Alberto Aguilera (1840–1913) was born in Valencia but built his entire political career in Madrid. A member of the Liberal Party, he served as mayor of the capital three separate times, and also held office as a deputy, a senator, and Minister of the Interior under Prime Minister Sagasta. He lived and died in the very house on Calle de la Magdalena where the plaque now hangs, which is the direct reason the city chose that address for the tribute.

During his terms as mayor, Madrid gained the Parque del Oeste and a municipal health laboratory, among other projects. Aguilera also backed the expansion of the city's boulevard network and supported the erection of statues honoring literary figures — part of a broader push to modernize Madrid at the turn of the twentieth century.

What will you see there?

The plaque was unveiled on 20 December 1988, an initiative of Madrid City Council marking the seventy-fifth anniversary of Aguilera's death. It's carved from limestone with bronze details, measuring roughly 1.10 by 0.70 meters. The upper section is semicircular, framing a round bronze medallion with the coat of arms of Madrid. The design came from Joaquín Roldán Pascual, chief architect of the city's heritage section. The incised, painted inscription states that Aguilera lived and died in this house, and records the anniversary that prompted the tribute.

The plaque itself is small, so a visit takes only a minute or two — this is a stop for anyone curious about local history and how a city marks its civic memory, not a destination for a full afternoon.

How do you get there?

Calle de la Magdalena sits right in central Madrid, close to Plaza de Tirso de Molina and Lavapiés. The easiest approach is by metro: both Tirso de Molina and Antón Martín stations, on Line 1, are just a few minutes' walk away. The surrounding streets are densely built, so the best way to reach the plaque is on foot, ideally as part of a longer walk through Centro and Lavapiés.

When should you visit?

Since the plaque is mounted on the facade of a residential building, it can be viewed year-round, at any time of day. Morning or late-afternoon light works best for photos, when the sun isn't hitting the wall directly. It's worth pairing the visit with a walk down Calle de Alberto Aguilera in the Argüelles district, named after the same man — a good chance to compare this small plaque with the busy avenue that carries his name.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the plaque located? On the building at Calle de la Magdalena 6, in the Centro district, close to Lavapiés and Plaza de Tirso de Molina.

Who was Alberto Aguilera, the man honored by the plaque? A Liberal politician who served three times as mayor of Madrid, plus stints as a deputy, senator, and Minister of the Interior, living from 1840 to 1913.

When was the plaque unveiled? On 20 December 1988, to mark the seventy-fifth anniversary of Aguilera's death, at the initiative of Madrid City Council.

Is it worth a dedicated trip just to see this plaque? Not really — it's a small marker best seen while exploring Centro and Lavapiés, or combined with a walk along Calle de Alberto Aguilera in Argüelles.