Plaza Mayor Square, Madrid, Unveiling All The Facts

Plaza Mayor in Madrid: A Historic and Vibrant City Center

Plaza Mayor is one of the most iconic and popular landmarks in Madrid, Spain. Located in the heart of the city, the square has a rich history and is a hub of activity every day throughout all seasons, attracting tourists and locals alike. In this article, we will explore the history and current-day aspects of Plaza Mayor in Madrid, along with some interesting facts and highlights.

Me and my family have spent countless hours visiting the seasonal markets at Plaza Mayor. The Christmas market at plaza mayor is a favorite, and we go almost every year to buy new decorations for the Christmas tree. Many times we have bought a squid sandwich and sat in the middle of the square and enjoyed the sunshine.

There is always something fun going on at the square, and the many archways on the square lead to all of the main attractions in Madrid. It’s a great central point to start your day from. The main tourism office is also located here in the square, so be sure to check that out. 

History and Architecture

Plaza Mayor was originally built in the early 17th century during the reign of King Philip III. The square was designed by Juan Gómez de Mora, and its grandeur and symmetry were intended to showcase the power and wealth of the Spanish empire at the time.

The square has a rectangular shape and is surrounded by three-story residential buildings with 237 balconies facing the square. The facades are adorned with frescoes and ornate architectural features, such as the nine entrance arches and the clock tower that dominates the central area of the square.

One cool fact is a hidden balcony under one of these arches. The king had a mistress His wife obviously disapproved of, and the king wanted the mistress present at the events. So a secret balcony was built under one of the arches so the Kings mistress could take part in the festivities without being notice.

Significant Events

Throughout its history, Plaza Mayor has been the site of many important events and festivities. It has been a venue for markets, bullfights, royal ceremonies, and public executions. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the square was also used as a location for filming movies and television shows.

To this day it is still used in many movies and series, and other than the facades of the shops and hotels, the Plaza Mayor square is mostly  in its original state and very well preserved. 

Current-day Use

Today, Plaza Mayor is one of Madrid’s main spots to visit, always lively and home to the main tourism office. The square is home to a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops that specialize in money and coins. The square is also very popular for the variety of street performers. There are a number of seasonal and artisan markets that take place here throughout the year as well.

Tourist Attractions

Plaza Mayor in Madrid is surrounded by several notable tourist attractions, such as the Royal Palace, Puerta del Sol, and the San Miguel Food Market. Take a walk through the square and see the beautiful blue granite bricks that have been there since it’s construction. Admire the architecture and the street performers, or enjoy a meal or drink at one of the many cafes and restaurants.

Nightlife

At night, Plaza Mayor comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene. The square is a popular destination for locals and tourists who want to enjoy a drink or a meal in the open air, listen to live music, or simply soak up the lively atmosphere.

The restaurants around the square can be pretty pricy, but it is worth visiting some of the restaurants in this area that are located deep in the caves of the square. They are also really cool in the summer, and great for a relaxed or romantic evening. 

Christmas Market

One of the most popular events in Plaza Mayor is the Christmas market, which takes place from late November to early January each year. The market features stalls selling handmade crafts, gifts, and traditional Christmas treats.

They take the decorating of their trees pretty serious here in Spain, and they even build little ¨Belen’s¨ (models depicting the interaction between Jesus and the three kings). This is where you come to get special pieces for your tree, or your models, and it’s a great time out with the family as well. 

Street Performers

Another highlight of Plaza Mayor is the street performers, who entertain visitors with their music, magic shows, and other performances. There is always a group of young kids dancing, someone playing a saxophone, and in the summer there is usually and older guy blowing huge bubbles just for the kids playing in the square. You will never be bored in Plaza Mayor. 

Cultural Significance

Plaza Mayor is not just a popular tourist destination; it also has significant cultural and historical importance for the people of Madrid. The square has been the site of political and social events throughout the centuries, and it continues to be a symbol of Madrid’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant city life.

Shopping

Plaza Mayor is also a great place to shop for souvenirs, gifts, and local handicrafts. The square is home to many small shops and stalls selling everything from jewelry and clothing to traditional Spanish fans and ceramics. Many of the souvenir shops around the square sell the same things, so compare the prices before you buy anything. 

There are a few special shops in the square though. A couple shops where they sell hand made hats all crafted in Spain. Then there are the art shops and coin shops if you are looking for a more original gift. 

Accessibility

Plaza Mayor is easily accessible by public transportation, with several bus and metro lines serving the area. It is also located within walking distance of many other popular tourist attractions, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the city. If you choose to stay here, there are many hotels close to Plaza Mayor and its a great base to have to explore Madrid. 

In conclusion

Plaza Mayor is a historic and vibrant city center that has something to offer for everyone. There are many hotels in the area, and it is a great base to have in Madrid because everything of interest is within a walking distance from the square.