THE LOPE DE VEGA MUSEUM MADRID

Author of some 2,000 plays, Lope de Vega was Spain's greatest playwright, penning an estimated 21 million lines. Capable of reading Latin at five, he wrote his first four act play at the age of 12. This indefatigable genius also enlisted in the Spanish Navy (the Armada), was personal secretary to four aristocrats and had several wives and many children. Although he decided to become a priest in 1614, this had little effect on his love life. Lope lived in this house for the last 25 years of his life, and although only a few items are believed to be his, the author's detailed will enabled experts to refurnish the house much as he knew it.

The garden and vegetable patch of this two storey, half-timbered shrine have been restored to fit a description in one of his poems: two trees, 10 flowers, two vines, an orange tree and a musk rose. The guided tours are led by enthusiastic students. As well as finding out about one of Spain's most renowned authors, you also get some idea of everyday life in a well off family home in the early 17th century Note the women's sitting-room where cushions are spread on the estrada, a small, Moorish-style dais.