What Did Ernest Hemingway Do in Madrid?

By Alice Nichols

Ernest Hemingway, the celebrated American author and journalist, is known for his love of travel and adventure. One of his favorite destinations was Madrid, where he spent a considerable amount of time during his early career as a writer. In this article, we will explore what Hemingway did in Madrid and how it influenced his writing.

Madrid in the 1920s

To understand Hemingway’s love for Madrid, we need to look at the city’s cultural scene during the 1920s. At that time, Madrid was going through a period of intense artistic and literary activity. Artists and writers from all over Spain flocked to the city to be part of this vibrant community.

Hemingway arrived in Madrid in 1923 as a young journalist working for the Toronto Star. He was immediately drawn to the city’s energy and charm. He spent most of his days exploring its streets and meeting local artists and writers.

The Literary Cafés

One of Hemingway’s favorite pastimes in Madrid was frequenting its literary cafés. These cafés were not just places to grab a coffee; they were also meeting points for artists and intellectuals who gathered to discuss art, literature, and politics.

Some of Hemingway’s favorite literary cafés in Madrid were Café Gijón, Café de Oriente, and Café de la Montaña. These places inspired him to write about the bohemian lifestyle of artists living in Madrid.

The Bullfights

Another passion that Hemingway developed during his time in Madrid was bullfighting. He attended many bullfights at Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas and became enamored with the spectacle.

Hemingway wrote extensively about bullfighting in his novel “The Sun Also Rises” which is set in Pamplona but features bullfighting as a central theme. His descriptions of the bullfights are vivid and passionate, showcasing his love for the sport.

The Spanish Civil War

The Spanish Civil War erupted in 1936, and Hemingway was one of the foreign correspondents covering the conflict. He spent a considerable amount of time in Madrid during this period, witnessing firsthand the horrors of war.

His experiences during the war inspired him to write “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” which is set in Spain during the conflict. The novel is a poignant exploration of war, love, and sacrifice.

In Conclusion

Ernest Hemingway’s time in Madrid had a profound impact on his writing. The city’s vibrant cultural scene inspired him to write about bohemian life, while bullfighting became a lifelong passion that he wrote about extensively. His experiences during the Spanish Civil War also influenced his writing and gave birth to one of his most famous works.

If you are ever in Madrid, make sure to visit some of Hemingway’s favorite literary cafés or attend a bullfight at Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas. Who knows? You might just find some inspiration for your own writing!