A Walk Down Plaza Mayor, Madrid’s most beloved Square

Near the equally attractive Puerta del Sol square, Plaza Mayor has fascinated travelers since time immemorial. It was first designed in the late 16th century. Over the past few centuries, it has gone through many changes, but it remains one of the top attractions in the city of Madrid for locals and tourists alike. Many seasonal festivals and celebrations are held at Plaza Mayor, including the Christmas market in the winter and the Easter drum parade in the spring. But no matter when you visit, you’re sure to have fun and be able to buy items and food you can’t find anywhere else. 

Table of Contents:

• History of Plaza Mayor
• Plaza Mayor Today
• Casa de la Panaderia
• Arco de Cuchilleros
• What to eat in Plaza Mayor
• Frequently Asked Questions

History of Plaza Mayor

Commissioned by King Philip II and designed by the classical architect Juan de Herrera, Plaza Mayor Square in Madrid was eventually inaugurated by Philip III in 1620 (it's Philip III’s statue that today occupies a central position in the square).

A spate of fires in 1790 ravaged the plaza, and it was architect Juan de Villanueva who took on the herculean task of restoration and rebuilding. The square is surrounded by magnificent three-story residential buildings notable for their inward-facing balconies. The frescoed facade of the bakery Casa de la Panadería is hard to miss, while the square's Madrid Tourist Board office is useful for maps and brochures. Be sure to read up a bit on Madrid's turbulent history to comprehend the significance of this square fully.

Locals call Plaza Mayor the heart of Madrid and with good reason. The surrounding area is sometimes called “Hapsburg Madrid” because of the ruling family that occupied the throne when the city began to grow around it. This is the oldest area of the city.

Before Madrid became the bustling metropolis it is today, it was a series of stone alleyways and narrow, winding streets. Plaza Mayor was first built on what was Madrid’s most popular market, Plaza del Arrabal, in the late 16^th century. After King Philip II moved the Spanish Royal Court from Toledo to Madrid in 1561, he began planning a massive remodel. It wasn’t until his son, Philip III, rose to power that the remodel was completed. The remodel was designed by the great architect Juan Gomez de Mora, whose mission was to bring architectural uniformity and symmetry to this open space, making it a meeting place that would be used to host many types of public events for centuries.

Plaza Mayor Today

This square is a favorite with sunbathers and people-watchers during the summer months. Busloads of tourists arrive at regular intervals, while costumed characters make the most of this carnivalesque atmosphere. The plaza's corridors are a great spot to escape the heat and browse for exotic merchandise in little shops. By midnight, the atmosphere is charged, and the square fills up with both young revelers and families.

Winters at Plaza Mayor are resplendent, with twinkling fairy lights on Christmas trees, and shops, musicians, sideshows, Santa Claus characters and nativity scenes all over. 

Foodies will appreciate the profusion of restaurants lining the square that serve tapas platters and excellent Spanish wines. Note that dinners are a more memorable affair later on, as impromptu singing and dancing bring the night to a close. In walking distance is the food market Mercado San Miguel, offering everything from sangria and mojitos, to croquettes, yoghurt, and seafood. A ten minute walk will get you to Madrid's pride and joy, the Prado Museum.

It's true that this city never sleeps. And Plaza Mayor is testament to this fact.

Casa de la Panaderia 

At one end of the Plaza Mayor stands Casa de la Panaderia, its cellar and ground floor still intact since 1590 when it was first built. For centuries, this bakery was the largest seller of bread and other baked goods in the city. Today, it’s still a very popular business. 

Simply walking by this building is a treat in itself. The exterior was adorned with beautiful frescoes painted in 1992 by Carlos Franco. These scenes depict mythological figures linked to the history of Madrid. 

Arco de Cuchilleros

Plaza Mayor  has nine archway entrances and Arco de Cuchilleros is the largest and most famous. Steep steps lead you up from the Calle de los Cuchilleros, a large street with taller buildings than its surrounding areas, with unique, slanted facades, a remnant of their previous purpose as buttresses. The street and the archway leading into Plaza Mayor get their name, Cuchilleros, from Madrid’s knife makers, many of whom had their workshops along this avenue, supplying knives to the butchers selling their meats in Plaza Mayor. 

What to Eat in Plaza Mayor

One of the most authentic experiences you can have in the Spanish capital is to try the famous calamari sandwich (bocadillo de calamares) at one of the no-frills bars in and around the Plaza Mayor. The most popular options include: 

● La Campana (Botoneras, 6)

● Bar La Ideal (Botoneras 4) 

● Bar Postas (Calle de Postas, 13)

And those located in the Plaza Mayor square: Cervecería Plaza Mayor (No. 2), Margerit (No. 22), and El Soportal (No. 33).

All of these restaurants offer fine Spanish wine, delicious tapas plates, and excellent service without breaking the bank. Eat like a local!

Plaza Mayor, in Madrid,  has been a popular draw for tourists and locals for centuries, and it’s no wonder why people near and far are drawn to it. The square is now a welcoming area for all visiting Madrid, where children and adults can find entertainment, food, and a beautiful open space to explore. 

Planning your trip to Madrid? Check out our favorite downtown hotels in Madrid.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time of day to visit Plaza Mayor in Madrid?

When is the best time of year to visit Plaza Mayor?

How do I get to Plaza Mayor?