Point of interest
Plaza Mayor
in Madrid, Spain
The arcaded square of Habsburg Madrid, the historic heart of the city.
Where it is
This rectangular, arcaded square sits in the historic centre, a short walk from the Puerta del Sol and the Mercado de San Miguel.
Address: Barrio de los Austrias, 28012 Madrid
What it is
At its centre stands the equestrian statue of Philip III, while the Casa de la Panadería draws the eye with its painted façade. The arcades shelter cafés and restaurants, and a weekend stamp and coin market fills the square. The terraces are touristy and pricey, but the square itself is well worth seeing.
History
On the site of the medieval Plaza del Arrabal market, Philip III had the Plaza Mayor built by Juan Gómez de Mora between 1617 and 1619, opening it in 1620. Over the centuries it hosted coronations, bullfights, markets and the autos-da-fé of the Inquisition.