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The Heart of Madrid

  • Writer: Erin
    Erin
  • Oct 24, 2022
  • 2 min read

Updated: Jul 31

As the weather is getting a little colder and you are dreaming of your next vacation to warmer weather, dream no further than to the capital of Spain, Madrid. When you think of Spain, you may think of bullfighting or soccer, both of which are very true. However, there is more to this country than that. Madrid is also known for its historical buildings, markets, and the royalty that once lived there. The encapsulation of that can be found in Plaza Mayor.


An aerial shot provides a comprehensive view of Plaza Mayor in Madrid, Spain, surrounded by the city's dense urban fabric. The Plaza Mayor, a large rectangular public square, is enclosed by multi-story buildings characterized by their red-tiled roofs and numerous windows, with arcades at their ground level. The square itself is paved, showing a grid pattern, and features several white, possibly temporary, structures. The surrounding cityscape is a mosaic of buildings with varying shades of terracotta and reddish-brown roofs, indicating a tightly packed and historic urban environment. The sun casts distinct shadows, highlighting the architectural details and the layout of the city.
Aerial View of Plaza Mayor

History

Located smack dab in the center of Madrid, the Plaza Mayor is at the heart of it all. The Plaza traces its origins back to the 15th century. In its earliest days, it was referred to as the "Plaza del Arrabal" and was used as the town's main market. There have been several rebuilds of this Plaza due to three fires, but the importance hasn't faded. Over the years, the Plaza has been home to various events, including bullfights, soccer matches, and even executions in its early days.


An eye-level view of Plaza Mayor in Madrid under a cloudy sky. The large, paved square is bordered by imposing multi-story buildings with red facades and numerous windows, characteristic of the Plaza Mayor. On the left side of the image, several outdoor terraces with white umbrellas and empty tables and chairs are visible, suggesting dining areas. Towards the center and right, a large crowd of people is gathered, some walking, others standing, indicating a bustling atmosphere. The ground is paved with different patterns of stone, with a darker central path leading into the square. A prominent archway is visible in the distant building, leading out of the plaza.
Restaurants at Plaza Mayor

Architecture

When you walk into the Plaza today, you will find three-story buildings with 237 stunningly beautiful balconies. This Plaza is 423 feet by 308 feet with a total of ten entrances, nine of which you can access the square through. The bottom layer is made of arches and pillars that frame the Plaza. In the Plaza, there are plenty of restaurants that serve tapas and sangria. What a splendid way to spend an evening people-watching.


A majestic bronze equestrian statue of King Philip III stands prominently in the center of Plaza Mayor in Madrid, Spain, under a clear blue sky. The king is depicted on horseback, holding a staff. The statue rests on a tall, ornate stone pedestal surrounded by a black metal fence. In the background, the grand, multi-story buildings that enclose Plaza Mayor are visible, characterized by their red facades, numerous windows with white frames, and arcaded ground levels. Two towers with spires and clocks rise from the buildings, one on either side of the statue. On the left, a white umbrella of an outdoor cafe can be seen, with people seated beneath it, while the plaza itself is paved with a geometric pattern.
Statue of King Philip III

Royalty

In the center of the Plaza, there is a large bronze statue of King Philip III. The statue was not originally intended to be in the center of the Plaza. It was a gift from the Duke of Florence in the early 17th century. The original home was Casa de Campo until Queen Isabel II moved the statue to its current location.


This is just one stop of many beautiful destinations that Madrid has to offer. There is plenty to do and see in this stunning city. We can work together to plan a whirlwind trip that will show you all that there is and more to do in the vibrant capital of Spain. Schedule a consultation to plan out your trip today.

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