Plaza Mayor

The Plaza Mayor is the principal public square in the heart of Madrid, built between 1580 and 1619 during the reign of Philip III. It was once the centre of Old Madrid, hosting markets, bullfights, and royal ceremonies.

Look for the equestrian statue of Philip III in the center, commissioned by the king himself. Stand in the middle of the square to take in the symmetrical three-story buildings with their 237 balconies. Just a few blocks away awaits another famous plaza, the Puerta del Sol.