Plaza Mayor, Madrid

About Plaza Mayor

The square was built under King Philip III to a design by the architect Juan Gómez de Mora and finished in 1619. It replaced a market outside the old city walls and became the capital's ceremonial heart, hosting festivals, royal celebrations and fairs.

It took its present form in the late 18th century, when the architect Juan de Villanueva rebuilt it: the houses were made the same height and the entrances closed with arches. The square measures about 129 by 94 metres, with 237 balconies around it, so wherever you stand it feels like the courtyard of a giant palace.

What to see on the square

The most striking building is the Casa de la Panadería on the north side, its façade painted with allegorical figures and signs of the zodiac. It was once the bakery that supplied the city's bread and now houses the tourist office. Opposite stands the Casa de la Carnicería, with corner turrets.

In the middle is a bronze equestrian statue of Philip III. Of the nine arches, the most picturesque is the Arco de Cuchilleros in the south-west corner, where steep steps lead down to Calle de Cuchilleros and its old taverns. Under the arcades are cafés, souvenir shops and old hat and coin shops.

What to see on Plaza Mayor

• Casa de la Panadería — the painted façade.
• Philip III's statue — in the centre of the square.
• Arco de Cuchilleros — steps down to old taverns.
• The arcades — cafés, shops and hatters.
• San Miguel market — a glass market of tapas nearby.
• The Christmas market — in December.

Around the square

Two minutes to the west is the San Miguel market, an elegant early 20th-century hall of glass and iron now selling tapas, ham, oysters and wine. Beyond it, Calle Mayor leads to Almudena Cathedral and the Royal Palace.

To the south lies La Latina, with Plaza de la Paja and Cava Baja, a street full of bars. To the east, Calle Mayor takes you in 5 minutes to Puerta del Sol, the city's central square. It all makes one walk through Habsburg Madrid, the oldest part of the city, with narrow streets and 16th and 17th-century convents.

Tips

In the morning the square is nearly empty and great for photos; in the evening, with the lamps lit, it's busy and lively. Street performers and costumed characters ask for money for photos, which is up to you. Watch your bag in the crowds.

In December the square hosts a Christmas market selling nativity figures, decorations and novelty wigs, a long-standing Madrid tradition. In summer there are concerts and festivals, and in May, for the feast of San Isidro, locals dance the chotis, Madrid's traditional dance. It slots neatly into a route between Puerta del Sol and the Royal Palace.

Places in Madrid: compare and choose

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

Nearby and on the way

52

Puerta del Sol

Madrid, Spain

25 min · Free · 6 min walk

Yes — add to my route: Puerta del Sol

51

Almudena Cathedral

Madrid, Spain

45 min · Cathedral free · 10 min walk

Yes — add to my route: Almudena Cathedral

53

Royal Palace of Madrid

Madrid, Spain

1 h 45 min · Paid · 11 min walk

Yes — add to my route: Royal Palace of Madrid

44

Plaza de España

Madrid, Spain

30 min · Free · 17 min walk

Yes — add to my route: Plaza de España

How to do it right

• Morning for crowd-free photos.
• Calamari sandwiches in nearby bars.
• San Miguel market is two minutes away.
• A Christmas fair in December.

Questions