Discover Madrid's emblematic Plaza Mayor

When Madrid was chosen as the capital of Spain, the need to create an authentic Plaza Mayor was obvious. In 1577, King Phillip II commissioned the architect Juan de Herrera to turn the old Plaza del Arrabal into the emblematic Plaza Mayor we know today. It took four decades for the redevelopment work to begin, in 1617 during the reign of Philip III, whose bronze equestrian statue adorns the square. He entrusted the renovation project to the architect Juan Gómez de Mora. Completed in 1619 and inaugurated in 1620, it underwent major repairs under the direction of the architect Juan de Villanueva following violent fires in 1792.

The Plaza de Mayor is designed as a rectangular space, surrounded by arcades with ten arched entrance gates, each with its own history and purpose, such as the one leading to the La Latina district. Entirely pedestrianised, it is home to some superb Madrid buildings, such as the Casa de la Panadería and the Casa de la Carnicería.

The Plaza Mayor has more than four centuries of history. Throughout its history, this imposing square in Madrid has borne a total of five different names depending on the major events of the day: the Plaza del Arrabal, the Plaza de la Constitución** in 1812, **the Plaza Real during the reign of Ferdinand VII, the Plaza de la República in 1873 during the first Republic of Spain and finally the Plaza Mayor today.

The arches in Madrid's Plaza Mayor all bear names that pay tribute to the city's history. These include the Arc de Cuchilleros (Knifemakers' Arch), the Arc de la Sal (Salt Arch), the Arc de Paños (which no longer exists) and the Arc de Botoneras (Buttonholes' Arch), all representing the various guilds of the period.

The other seven arches symbolise historical events and places in Madrid, such as the Arch of Triumph, the Arch of Ciudad Rodrigo, the Arch of Philip III, the Arch of Calle Zaragoza, the Arch of Calle Toledo (to highlight the road that led to Toledo), the Arch of Calle Gerona and the Arch of Calle 7 de Julio.

Although the Puerta del Sol is the busiest square in the heart of the Madrid of Los Austrias, the Plaza Mayor remains a very popular meeting place. During the summer months, you can enjoy a coffee in the sun with friends, surrounded by the street performers who liven up the esplanade. In December, it is decked out in sumptuous decorations and hosts the superb Madrid Christmas Market.

The shops with their old, refined facades, the jewellers and the cafés and bistros sheltered under the arches of the main square also attract many visitors, every day and at any time of the year. You'll also find other places of interest just a few metres from the square, such as Puerta del Sol, the Royal Palace and the San Miguel Market.

Once in Madrid's Plaza Mayor, take time to admire the Casa de la Panadería (Bakery House), which now houses Madrid's Tourist Office. The façade of this remarkable Madrid building is decorated with murals by the artist Carlos Franco, and features the Spanish coat of arms at its centre.

The other major monument in the square is undoubtedly the former Butchers' House, the Casa de la Carnicería, located just opposite the Casa de la Panaderia. Now home to a 4-star hotel, this superb building bears witness to the capital's rich past.

Finally, the other emblem of the Plaza Mayor is the statue of King Philip III, which has stood in the centre of the square since 1848. As you can see, this majestic square in Madrid is a must on your itinerary for exploring the Spanish capital.