Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor is one of the largest historic squares in the old city of Madrid. This Castilian square was built between 1617 and 1619, and restored in 1790. The Plaza Mayor was once the stage for bullfights, royal coronations, and even the Inquisition. The center of the square is home to a statue of Philip III, in honor of his commission for the square. Today the square is a great place to relax and people-watch in one of the Plaza's numerous cafes, stroll through the collector's market, and enjoy the street performers who entertain crowds daily.

Fun Facts

• The first great public scene in the Plaza Mayor was the beautification of Madrid's patron saint, San Isidro, in 1621.


• Originally the square was named the Plaza de Arrabal, then the Plaza Mayor, then the Plaza de la Constitucion, the Plaza Real, the Plaza de la Republica, and then finally once again, the Plaza Mayor!

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Plaza Mayor