The main square or Plaza Mayor is a magnificent open space where sightseeing of Madrid and experience of the history of this city begin. Located in the heart of the city, the main square was built during the reign of king Philip III. In his part, a large equestrian statue made by Jean Boulogne and Pietro Tacca is placed on the square. The construction of the square began in the 17th century. A meeting place, a festival place and a place of various public events. Made with the intention that the people of Madrid enjoy the beautiful surroundings, as well as shopping, good restaurants and cafes, and the Puerta del Sol beach is located in the immediate vicinity. Over time, the square had various purposes, and one of the events that took place here was a bullfight, but also football matches.
After Plaza Mayor was built during the reign of Philip III, three fires occurred that damaged the square. The first in 1631, the second in 1670 and the third in 1790, and after each fire certain reconstructions were made in order to return the square to its original condition. Architect Juan de Villanueva, who worked on the reconstruction after the third fire, is in charge of the current appearance of the square. During this period, Juan de Villanueva lowered the five-storey buildings, which were around the square, to three floors, closed the corners and thus created new and large entrances. The three-storey buildings face the square and have 237 balconies. After his death, the works were continued until 1854 by Antonio Lopez Aguado and Custodio Moreno.
Plaza Mayor has a rectangular shape and has a total of 10 entrances and 9 gates. The square has changed its name throughout history, so the original name of the square was "Plaza del Arrabal", then "Plaza de la Constitucion", "Plaza Real", "Plaza de la Republica" and today's "Plaza Mayor" was given after the Spanish Civil War.
A Christmas market is held in the square every year.
Every year on May 15, the square celebrates the feast of San Isidro, the patron saint of Madrid
Author of the text:
Maja Glavaš, Bachelor with Honours in Communicology. Works in Tourism.
Contact: [email protected]; instagram: travel_europe1
photo credit: Victor Garcia
