Plaza Mayor of Madrid

The Plaza Mayor of Madrid is located in the city-centre, only a few metres away from the square of the Puerta del Sol and the Plaza de la Villa. In the past it has been scenario of numerous public evenements, bullfights, processions, local parties, theatre plays, Inquisition´ s trials and even executions. It is dominated by a bronze equestrian sculpture of Felipe II.

The square is rectangular and is surrounded by a 129 metres length by 24 metres wide portico. It has nine entrance gates or entrance arches.

It is surrounded by arcades that are supported by granite pillars. In the centre of the Northern side of the square is located the Casa de la Panadería by Diego Sillero, that is decorated with frescoes and the Spanish coat of arms (with the weapons from times of Carlos III) in the upper part. In front of it, on the Southern side, the Casa de la Carnicería, that is nowadays occupied by municipal outbuildings. They are both crowned by slate spires in accordance with what is characteristic in the civil architecture from times of the Austria dynasty.

The Arco de Cuchilleros, on the Southwestern corner of the square was carried out by Juan de Villanueva. The equestrian sculpture of Felipe III, carried out by Juan de Bolonia and finished by Pedro Tacca in 1616, was first placed in the Casa de Campo but the Queen Isabel II ordered its removal to the Plaza Mayor. In ground floor there are multiple shops and establishments of hostelry, as well as collecting shops (philately and numismatics) where people of the city and visitors cheerfully enjoy.

Interesting resources

   Photos of the Plaza Mayor of Madrid