Plaza Mayor (Madrid)

 

 

Plaza Mayor – The Historic Focus of City Life

 

Plaza Mayor was founded in the early 17th century and has been the main focus of city life ever since. It is a large central plaza surrounded on all sides by three-story arcaded residential buildings, themselves dating back over 200 years. Throughout its long history it has been used variously for bullfights, public executions, coronations, religious celebrations and even the Spanish Inquisition. Even today it is the main focus of city wide celebrations and seemingly the entire Madrid population flocks here during public holidays and festivities. A Madrid city break will experience an authentic Spanish atmosphere despite its popularity with visiting tourists and it is a great place to sit at a pavement cafe and mingle with locals.

 

 

Plaza Mayor – Compelling Neo Gothic Architecture

 

Its most prominent feature is the Casa de la Panaderia, the original seat of the baker’s guild which even predates the square itself. It has imposing turrets at either end and is adorned with vivid frescoes. It has a quaint Moorish quality and makes for a fabulous photo opportunity. Around the square’s perimeter are restored arcaded passages which now house a collection of tapas bars and cafes. A weekend break in Madrid will also find numerous antique sellers here for the famous Sunday coin, book and stamp fair which engulf the entire square.

 

 

Plaza Mayor – Spectacular Annual Festivities

 

Day and night during the summer you will see crowds of locals chilling out with sangria and paella in one of the many cafes, families strolling and enjoying the pavement artists or browsing in shop windows. It has a vibrant modern atmosphere which is best seen during one of Madrid’s major festivities. The San Isidro festival is celebrated with fervent enthusiasm and abandon and a Christmas short break in Madrid is bound to be an enchanting affair. The whole plaza is filled with charming tinsel covered stalls and the famous nativity scenes are artistic masterpieces in their own right. Festive nights are not to be missed at Plaza Mayor, boasting dazzling and captivating illuminations.