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Main square of Madrid
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 Plaza Mayor by sue_stone
It is a great place to dine alfresco and watch the world go by. It is definitely not the cheapest place to eat, but worth it! Leave a Comment Directions: Metro Sol & Opera
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Plaza Mayor is another popular tourist spot in Madrid. It was built during the reigns of King Felipe II and his son King Felipe III, at the turn of the 17th century, when it was deemed that Plaza de la Villa, the former city square, had become too small for the city's growing population (Plaza de la Villa still exists, it is located nearby on Calle Mayor). Plaza Mayor served different puposes: on top of housing the city's public market, royal and religious celebrations were held in the square, as well as bullfights and public executions.
Today, public executions and bullfights have given way to street performers and all sorts of entertainment, ranging from Mexican mariachis to chair massages. Plaza Mayor is also home to the tourist office (at No. 27 Plaza Mayor), different souvenir shops, and several restaurants where tourists gather to enjoy a meal or a drink out on the sunny patios. Those interested in architecture won't want to miss the Panaderia, the oldest building (1590) of the Plaza Mayor. Out of the nine doors leading to the plaza, the most famous one is called the "Arco de Cuchilleros" and it leads down to La Latina. Leave a Comment Phone: 91 588 29 06Directions: Just down the street (Calle Mayor) from Puerta del SolWebsite: http://www.esmadrid.com Other Contact: descubremadrid@munimadrid.es
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 by smschley
During the Inquisition, many were tried here, paraded around the square with signs listing their many sins, and then burned. Some were slowly strangled with a garrote while holding a crucifix as a priest prayed. The square is painted a shade of burgundy, the color selected as the result of a city-wide vote. Three different colors were painted as samples on the walls of this square, and the city voted for its favorite. Leave a Comment Directions: Metro Sol & Opera
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 Plaza Mayor by nhcramLeave a Comment Directions: Nearest metro stations are Metro Sol & Opera
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A beautiful and historic plaza, located not far from Puerta del Sol. There are many eye catching spots around the square, to name some are, the statue of Felipe III right at the center, the designs and drawings on the walls(mostly repainted according to the designs of Carlo Franco in 1992), the towers, cafes and restaurants under the arches. The square is mostly surrounded by a three-storey buildings with balconies looking out the area and the Casa de Panaderia at the north end has 4 storeys. Felipe II and his architect Juan de Hererra has originally planned the square. The inauguration took place during the reign of Felipe III in the 16th century. Leave a Comment Directions: Metro Sol & Opera
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 by jumpingnorman
Just sit by one of the benches and just observe every day tourist life in Madrid. The colorful frescoes are wonderful at the Casa de La Panaderia (Bakery) and you can marvel at the Felipe III equestrian statue...
Definitely a place you should not and could not miss when in Madrid! Leave a Comment Directions: Metro Sol & Opera, Off the Calle de Toledo, just south of Calle Mayor
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 Madrid - Plaza Mayor - Casa de
la Panaderia by Kuznetsov_Sergey
Casa de la Panaderia - "bakery" is the main and most beautiful building on Plaza Mayor. It is situated in the northern part of the square. The bakery was settled down on a ground floor. Members of royal family usually observed of events which occured below on the square from a balcony of the second floor. Motley frescos decorate walls of a building.
There is Casa de la Carniceria "butcher's shop" on the opposite side of the square. Directions: Metro Sol & Opera
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Plaza Mayor, or Major Square is one of Madrids popular sights. This square is surrounded by arcaded buildings, which house bars, cafes and restaurants.
The centre of the square is dominated by a large equestrian statue of Felippe 111 (Philip 3rd), who planned this area in the 17th century.
Originally the site of a fairground, the plaza was designed by Juan Gomez de Mora. The plaza has undergone many renovations and re buildings, mainly as a result of at least 3 fires.
Through the centuries the square has been used for bull fights, markets, public gatherings, and even public executions.
Today there are still markets held - During my 1st visit, stalls were being erected for what looked like a Christmas market. There were a few people gathered around eating bocadilloes or drinking coffee from disposable cartons under the ornate lampstands. Apparently these depict scenes from the squares past history.
The ornate frescoes adorning the facade of the Casa de la Panaderia were added as recently as the late 20th Century.
Leading off the square are many narrow streets with interesting shop fronts. The bars and cafes around the square are worth visiting to try a tasty snack such as squid sandwiches (Bocadillo Calamari)- a speciality of this area.
Apparently, the square is a favourite haunt of pick-pockets and scammers- so as always, keep your valuables safely hidden, and be aware of people getting too close, causing diversions etc. As a solo female, I felt completely safe at both of my visits here though.
The Tourist Information Office in the Square has daily guided walks around various sights. I joined one for a few hours, which was very interesting. (tip to follow later) Leave a Comment Directions: Nearest Metro - Sol & Opera
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 The Plaza Mayor by Paul2001Leave a Comment Directions: Metro Sol & Opera
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Wondering around Madrid we stumbled upon a large rectangular cobbled stoned courtyard. Surrounded by red buildings and decorated with colourful murals. French doors with white shutters and wrought iron, framed the balconies beautifully. Twin towers with centered clocks dominated both ends of Plaza Mayor. An impressive statue of PhillipII on horse back sat in the middle of the square.
There were tourists taking photos, buskers performing, street artist, police chatting, and people sitting drinking coffee at many of the shops. You'll find antique shops, bars and restaurants to cater tourist. The Plaza Mayor is not far from Puerta del Sol.
It was built during (Phillip II) the Habsburg period. It was the work and designed by the architect Juan de Villanueva. In the old days the square was used for executions, inquisition trials, bullfights and tournaments. Today the Plaza is a place where tourist congregates, free concert, eating place and residential apartments. Directions: Metro Sol & Opera
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