Plaza de España, Madrid

About Plaza de España

The square sits on the western edge of the centre, where Gran Vía ends and a green slope runs down to the Parque del Oeste and the Temple of Debod. In the mid-20th century Madrid's first two skyscrapers rose on its sides, the Edificio España and the Torre de Madrid, then among the tallest buildings in Europe.

In 2021 the square was completely redesigned: traffic went into a tunnel, and pedestrian avenues, fountains, lawns and playgrounds took its place, linking the square to the Sabatini Gardens and the Royal Palace. It's now a pleasant place to rest between walks in the centre.

The Cervantes monument

The square's centrepiece is the monument to Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quixote. Built from 1925 to 1957, it shows the writer seated on a tall stone plinth, with Don Quixote on his bony horse Rocinante and his loyal squire Sancho Panza on a donkey in bronze before him. Dulcinea and the peasant girl Aldonza stand to the sides.

A long pool in front reflects the bronze heroes and the plinth. It's one of Madrid's most popular photo spots, especially in the evening when it's lit. Children enjoy hunting for other characters from the novel and symbols of Spanish literature on the monument.

What to see on Plaza de España

• The Cervantes monument — the writer and his heroes.
• Don Quixote and Sancho Panza — the bronze riders.
• The pool and fountains — reflections of the monument.
• Edificio España — a skyscraper with a rooftop viewpoint.
• Torre de Madrid — a 1950s tower.
• The Sabatini Gardens — the way to the Royal Palace.

Where to go from the square

To the west, across the road and up the slope, is the Temple of Debod, a genuine Egyptian temple with the city's best sunset, 5 to 7 minutes' walk away. To the south lie the Sabatini Gardens and the Royal Palace, about 10 minutes on foot.

To the east begins Gran Vía, with theatres, cinemas, shops and fine early 20th-century buildings, leading to the Cibeles fountain in 15 to 20 minutes. To the north are the lively Malasaña and Chamberí districts, with bars and cafés where locals have lunch.

Tips

The square makes a natural link between the Royal Palace and the Temple of Debod: the palace by day, a rest by the fountains after lunch, and sunset at the temple or on the skyscraper roof. In summer the lawns and shady trees are a refuge from the midday heat.

At weekends there are sometimes craft, book and food fairs, and in the evening families stroll here with children. There are plenty of cafés around, and for a cheaper lunch head a couple of blocks north into Malasaña or along Calle de la Princesa.

It's easy with children: new playgrounds, fountains and plenty of room to run. Bring a copy of Don Quixote and make a game of finding every character on the monument.

Places in Madrid: compare and choose

Places in Madrid rated by YesGo. Click a column header to sort.

Nearby and on the way

49

Temple of Debod

Madrid, Spain

40 min · Free · 8 min walk

Yes — add to my route: Temple of Debod

53

Royal Palace of Madrid

Madrid, Spain

1 h 45 min · Paid · 11 min walk

Yes — add to my route: Royal Palace of Madrid

51

Almudena Cathedral

Madrid, Spain

45 min · Cathedral free · 15 min walk

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51

Plaza Mayor

Madrid, Spain

40 min · Free · 17 min walk

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How to do it right

• Photograph Don Quixote by the pool.
• Panorama from the skyscraper roof.
• The Temple of Debod is close for sunset.
• Gran Vía starts here.

Questions