Golden Century

The Spanish Golden Age, spanning the 16th and 17th centuries, represents a peak in Spain's literary history, beginning with the country's partial political unification around 1500. This era is marked by strong patriotic and religious sentiments, alongside a renewed interest in earlier epics and ballads.1

Key literary developments include:
* Novels: The picaresque novel, detailing the adventures of common rogues, gained prominence with works like Lazarillo de Tormes and Mateo Alemán's writings. Miguel de Cervantes' Don Quixote is considered the most significant literary achievement of the period.1
* Poetry: Initially influenced by Italian forms, Spanish poetry later embraced the complex styles of culteranismo and conceptismo.1
* Theatre: Lope de Vega is credited with establishing the Spanish national theatre, a tradition continued by playwrights like Tirso de Molina and Pedro Calderón de la Barca.1
* Religious Literature: Mystical works by figures such as St. Teresa of Ávila and St. John of the Cross are notable.1

While the Golden Age is celebrated for its cultural achievements, Spain experienced significant economic and political decline during the 17th century, particularly in Castile, marked by population decrease and devastating wars. The end of the Golden Age is often associated with the death of Calderón de la Barca in 1681.21