La Plaza Mayor, ese tesoro del que poco hablamos

Madrid has countless treasures, more than even those of us who live here are able to take in. To see them all, visit their interiors and appreciate their differences depending on the light (day or night) or the season of the year enveloping them (because, for example, Retiro Park is just not the same in summer as it is around the holidays).

One of these magnificent places we know is there, and for precisely that reason, because we know it exists, we don’t talk much about it, is undoubtedly Madrid’s Plaza Mayor. It is a meeting point for visitors from all over the world who walk under its arcades admiring the unique stores and spots which remain decade after decade.

Its origins stretch all the way back to the end of the 17th century, when the court of Philip II moved to the capital. At the time, in 1617, the architect of the era, Juan Gómez de Mora, was entrusted with the ambitious job of creating “uniformity” among the buildings composing the plaza.

For many many years, the central space housed, and it continues to house, all types of different festivities: popular celebrations, bullfighting, coronations and even beatifications. Nowadays, it is always a great spot for spectacular events and, of course, the well-known and well-attended Holiday Market which will soon set up shop.

Unique corners, such as the Arco de Cuchilleros (Bladesmith’s Arch), or some of the city’s best-known statues, such as that of Philip II, are part of this enclave which you can’t miss and, which is just a few steps from our hotel. A real treat for all of us because there is nothing better than being able to share the heart of such a beautiful city on a daily basis.

Categories: Guías Madrid