Plaza Mayor of Madrid

travel  wonder in Spain

Why the

Plaza Mayor of Madrid

is special

The huge Plaza Mayor ("major square") is an architectural jewel and the unofficial gathering center of old Madrid.

Tips & insights on

Madrid's Plaza Mayor

The original buildings were constructed in 1619. The ones we see today were erected in 1790 following a devastating fire.

The pedestrian-only Plaza Mayor of Madrid is completely enclosed by buildings. They are collectively praised for their style quality and uniformity. Their bases have handsome porticoes and tall arched passageways connecting to city streets outside.

The oldest and most famous building is the the Casa del Panaderia ("bakery house"), which once served as the headquarters of a powerful baking guild. You can see one of its twin towers on the right side of the photo.

The equestrian statue in the middle of the photo is of Philip III, the 17th century king who commissioned the square.

Today, the Plaza Mayor of Madrd is used for many functions including concerts, coin-and-stamp market (Sundays), seasonal Christmas market, alfresco dining, and summer evening strolling. Past activities included coronations, bull fights, and the burning of heretics at the stake during the inquisition.

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My Spanish

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What every visitor should know.

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