Plaza Mayor in Madrid, Spain

Plaza Mayor
Calle Mayor
Metro: Sol and Opera

Nestled in between the Puerta del Sol and the La Latina neighborhood is Madrid’s beautiful main square. The Plaza Mayor was originally planned by Phillip II and his architect Juan de Herrera, but wasn’t inaugurated until Phillip III’s reign in 1620. It is Phillip III, not the II, whose statue sits proudly in the very center of the plaza. Juan Gómez de Mora gave the plaza its rectangular form, and after surviving three fires, Juan de Villanueva completed its construction in 1853, joining the four sides with the plaza’s now characteristic archways.

The plaza has been the center of many events throughout its history, such as public executions, bullfights, “autos de fe” during the Spanish Inquisition, and public markets, the only events that continue to this day. Currently, the plaza’s porticoes are home to many traditional and tourist shops and restaurants, many of which tend to be overpriced because of their exclusive location.

Plaza Mayor is an excellent place to lounge around and soak up the sun. The many street performers and artists that gather there add a lot of local color, and the San Isidro (patron saint of Madrid) celebrations are held there every May.

-Justine Bayod Espoz & Caitlin Ritchie