Guillermo Fernández Shaw

Guillermo Fernández Shaw is a monument in Madrid honoring one of the most influential librettists in the history of Spanish zarzuela. It's a modest, low-key landmark, but its subject makes it a rewarding stop for anyone interested in the cultural side of the Spanish capital beyond the usual sightseeing checklist.

Who was Guillermo Fernández Shaw?

Born in Cádiz and trained as a lawyer, Guillermo Fernández Shaw built his real career in journalism and letters. For a quarter of a century, from 1911 to 1936, he edited the Madrid newspaper "La Época," while also contributing to "ABC" and publishing poetry in "Blanco y Negro." His lasting fame, however, came from a creative partnership with Federico Romero, which began in 1916 with the libretto for José Serrano's "La canción del olvido." Together, the two writers went on to produce the librettos for two of the most celebrated zarzuelas of the 20th century: "Doña Francisquita," composed by Amadeo Vives, and "Luisa Fernanda," composed by Federico Moreno Torroba — both still performed regularly today. Literary talent ran in the family: his father, Carlos Fernández Shaw, was himself a playwright and poet who wrote librettos for zarzuelas and operas, most notably "Margarita la tornera" and "La vida breve." Guillermo Fernández Shaw died in Madrid on 17 August 1965, at the age of 72, leaving behind a body of work that remains central to the Spanish musical-theatre repertoire.

What will you find at the site?

Don't expect a grand monument — this is a quiet tribute rather than a major tourist draw, and it appeals most to travelers with an interest in music and cultural history. Its real value is symbolic: it honors a man whose librettos helped define zarzuela, a musical genre widely regarded as one of Spain's most distinctive contributions to world culture. While there, it's worth recalling the titles tied to his name — "Doña Francisquita" and "Luisa Fernanda" — both of which still fill the seats at Madrid's Teatro de la Zarzuela.

How do you get there?

The monument sits within Madrid and is reachable on foot or by public transport — the city's metro and bus network cover nearly every district, and the exact spot is easiest to pinpoint by entering the coordinates into a map app. Given its modest scale, it works best as part of a longer walk rather than a dedicated trip: pair it with nearby attractions to make the most of an afternoon exploring this less-touristed corner of Madrid.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) are the most comfortable seasons for walking around Madrid, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds than peak summer. July and August routinely bring temperatures above 35°C, which can make outdoor sightseeing uncomfortable. As an open-air monument, it can be visited at any hour, with no admission restrictions.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Guillermo Fernández Shaw? A Spanish poet, journalist, and librettist best known for writing the texts of major 20th-century zarzuelas, including "Doña Francisquita" and "Luisa Fernanda."

Is there an entrance fee? No — it's an open-air public monument, free to visit at any time.

How long does a visit take? Just a few minutes — it's best enjoyed as a brief stop during a longer walk through Madrid.

Is it worth combining with a visit to Teatro de la Zarzuela? Yes — the theatre regularly stages works for which Fernández Shaw wrote the libretto, making it a natural pairing.