Madrid's Plaza Mayor: history and what to see
Arcaded, rectangular and full of history, the Plaza Mayor is one of the symbols of Madrid and the best starting point to explore the old Habsburg Madrid.
Four centuries of history
The square was completed in 1619, under Philip III, to a design by Juan Gómez de Mora. It has been a market and the stage for festivities, bullfights and public ceremonies. After the great fire of 1790, Juan de Villanueva rebuilt it and gave it the enclosed appearance it has today.
What to see
- The Casa de la Panadería. The building with the painted façade, the oldest in the square.
- The equestrian statue of Philip III. In the middle of the square.
- The Arco de Cuchilleros. The steps leading down to the Cava de San Miguel and its traditional taverns.
- The Mercado de San Miguel. Just round the corner, for tapas under an early 20th-century iron structure.
At Christmas
Every December the square hosts the traditional Christmas market, with stalls selling nativity figures, decorations and joke items.
Getting there from the venue
From Bingo Odonnell, at Calle de O'Donnell 21-23, the Plaza Mayor is about 20 minutes away by metro: from Goya, line 2 runs straight to Sol, five minutes' walk from the square.
Back to the Salamanca district
After a stroll around old Madrid, Bingo Odonnell is open every day from 12:30 with bingo, slot machines, electronic roulette, sports betting and a restaurant.
Bingo Odonnell is an in-person bingo hall at Calle de O'Donnell, 21-23, Madrid. Open every day from 12:30. Over-18s only, with ID card, NIE or passport. Please gamble responsibly.
← Back to the blog