Home > Destinations > Europe > Spain > Madrid > Attractions > Plaza Mayor
Bookstore Travel Talk - Our Message Boards Tips and Tools Book a Trip Deals and News Trip Ideas, Activities, Lifestyles Hotels Destinations Frommers.com Home
Frommer's - The best trips start here. Frommer's - The best trips start here.
Sign up for our FREE Newsletters! Win a FREE Trip
  Email This Article Email Print This Article Print Get Frommer's RSS Feed RSS

Plaza Mayor Frommer's Very Highly Recommended

Transportation Metro: Puerta del Sol

Frommer's Review

In the heart of Madrid, this famous square was known as the Plaza de Arrabal during medieval times, when it stood outside the city wall. The original architect of Plaza Mayor itself was Juan Gómez de Mora, who worked during the reign of Philip III. Under the Habsburgs, the square rose in importance as the site of public spectacles, including the abominable autos de fe, in which heretics were burned. Bullfights, knightly tournaments, and festivals were also staged here.

Three times the buildings on the square burned -- in 1631, 1672, and 1790 -- but each time the plaza bounced back. After the last big fire, it was completely redesigned by Juan de Villanueva.

Nowadays a Christmas fair is held around the equestrian statue of Philip III (dating from 1616) in the center of the square. On summer nights the Plaza Mayor becomes the virtual living room of Madrid, as tourists sip sangria at the numerous cafes and listen to the music performances, many of which are spontaneous. The walls of the former Casa de la Panadería on the square's northern side feature murals that some have compared unflatteringly to comic strips.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.


Back to Top


  Email This Article Email Print This Article Print Get Frommer's RSS Feed RSS


Frommer's Madrid, 2nd Edition Frommer's Madrid, 2nd Edition

Author: Peter Stone
Pub Date: January 23, 2007
Price: $17.99

Buy Now!
Related Titles:
Frommer's Barcelona Day by Day, 1st Edition
Frommer's Barcelona, 2nd Edition
Frommer's Mediterranean Spain with Your Family: From Tranquil Villages to the Bustling Costas, 1st Edition
Add Frommers.com RSS Feed  Add Frommers.com RSS Feed (What's This?)
Add Frommers.com Deals & News to Your Web Site
Add to My Yahoo!     Add to My MSN     More RSS Readers
Add Frommers.com Podcast Add Frommers.com Podcast (What's This?)
Home > Destinations > Europe > Spain > Madrid > Attractions > Plaza Mayor