Top 10 Incredible Facts about Plaza Mayor

Plaza Mayor, Madrid. Author Suicasmo. WIKIMEDIA

Top 10 Incredible Facts about Plaza Mayor

Plaza Mayor is one of the major public spaces in Madrid which serves as the capital city of Spain. Plaza Mayor once served as an old center of Madrid. The plaza was constructed between 1580 and 1619 during the reign of Philip III. The plaza is close to another famous plaza in Spain called Puerta del So

Below are some of the top 10 interesting facts about Plaza Mayor

1. The Plaza was once a Market Place

The market of the Plaza Mayor. Author Rubén Vique. WIKIMEDIA

Back in the 15^th century, the Plaza Mayor was known as Plaza del Arrabal. It was initially recognized due to its use as the main market of the town

 King Philip II transferred the plaza to the city of Madrid in 1561. The king commissioned Juan De Herrera who was a  Classical architect in remodeling the area. However, the Construction of the plaza started in 1617 during the reign of king Philip III.

2. The Plaza Mayor has Suffered Three Fires

In its history, since its construction,  Plaza Mayor has suffered three major fires. It burnt down for the first time in 1631. Reconstruction began immediately and Juan Gómez de Mora was in charge of the reconstruction and renovation.

In 1670, the plaza experienced its second fire.  Architect Tomás Román oversaw the whole process of renovation and reconstruction. The third fire which consumed almost a  third of the square happened in 1790.

3. The Plaza Architecture Today is Credited to Juan De Villanueva

Plaza Mayor. Author Alberto-g-Rovi. WIKIMEDIA

The Plaza Mayor’s architecture today is credited to Juan de Villanueva. He was in charge of the reconstruction of the plaza in 1790 after it was consumed by fire. In the process of reconstructing the plaza, Juan De Villanueva lowered the surrounding buildings from five stories to three stories. He crossed all the corners and constructed a large entrance into the squares. When Juan de Villanueva dead the work was continued by Antonio López Aguado and Custodio Moreno and who completed the work in 1848.

4. Plaza Mayor is Rectangular in shape

The Plaza Mayor of Salamanca during one night. Author Jl FilpoC. WIKIMEDIA

 The Plaza Mayor shows the uniformity of architecture through its rectangular shape. The Plaza has a  measurement of 129 m x 94 m.

 Plaza mayor has a total of  237 balconies. The plaza has 10 entrances for visitors to choose which to use when entering or exiting but the plaza has 9 gates.

 The Plaza Mayor entrances have different names, these names include, “7 de Julio, Arco de Triunfo and Felipe III to the North; Sal, Zaragoza, and Gerona to the East; Botoneras, Toledo, and Cuchilleros to the South; Ciudad Rodrigo to the West.”

In the middle of the square, there is a statue of Philip III riding a horse. The statue was placed in 1848. The Plaza Mayor In the past has witnessed various multitudinous events, it has also hosted various executions in history.

Currently, the plaza is used as a host for the annual Christmas market. The plaza has hosted various games such as bullfights and soccer games. Collections of stamps and coins on Sundays and holidays are held at the plaza in the mornings.

5. It is a Tourist Spot

The market of the Plaza Mayor. Author Rubén Vique. WIKIMEDIA

The Plaza Mayor has hosted various performances. The last performance to be held at the plaza was in 1992. The performance of mural decoration was presented by Carlos Franco and the Casa de la Panadería, which shows different mythological figures such as the goddess Cibeles.

Today in Spain, the Plaza Mayor is recognized as a tourist spot. The plaza is also celebrated by the Madrid citizens since it has become one of the Spanish cultures. The Plaza Mayor is close to the oldest restaurant in the world Restaurante Botin which is next to Arco de Cuchilleros Street.

6. The Plaza has had Various Names

Due to different events, history, and different reigns in Spain, the name of the plaza has changed over time. The plaza was initially known as the “Plaza del Arrabal”, “Plaza de la Constitución”, “Plaza Real”, “Plaza de la República” and currently  “Plaza Mayor”.

The original name of the current Plaza Mayor was “Plaza del Arrabal”. Until the end of the 15^th century Plaza, del Arrabal was used as a marketplace. Due to the 1812 constitution, all major places in Spain were renamed the plaza de la constitution. The plaza changed its name to Plaza Real in 1814 upon the restoration of  Borbón king. The name however changed in 1873 to “Plaza de la República”.  The plaza was renamed to its present name Plaza Mayor at the end of the Spanish Civil War.

7. The Plaza has a Bronze Statue

At the center of the square, there is a bronze statue of King Philip III.  The statue was created in 1616 by Jean Boulogne and Pietro Tacca and it was a gift from the Duke of Florence.  Queen Isabel ordered the statue to be moved from Casa de Campo to Plaza Mayor.

8. The Plaza has Outdoor Cafes

Sitting outside the plaza’s outdoor cafes and having drinks or meals is one of the best experiences. Despite the high prices, it is the best thing to do it at the Museum of Flamenco Dance in a sunny spring.  

9. Plaza Mayor has a Tourist Information Center

One of the best places to visit at the plaza is the Tourist Information Centre. The center is at the Salón de Columnas. The information center has tourist guides,  maps, and also local information and referrals.

10. Plaza Mayor has an Underground Parking

Plaza mayor. Author Zarateman.WIKIMEDIA

The plaza has underground parking which is below Plaza Mayor. The parking is free, however, there is less expensive parking within the areas near the plaza.  The place is located near the multiple metro and bus stops a walking distance of the Plaza Mayor. The plaza is one of the best tourist attraction sites in Spain,  Madrid city the architecture style of building attracts  tourist all over the world and from Spain