Catalonia Las Cortes Hotel is a popular choice amongst travelers in Madrid, whether exploring or just passing through. The property features a wide range of facilities to make your stay a pleasant experience.
Travel Attractions
Plaza Mayor Madrid
Plaza Mayor Madrid
Plaza Mayor Madrid
Quick facts
- Name: Plaza Mayor Madrid
- Location: Madrid, Spain
- Built: 1621
- Type of attraction: Architectural/Square
- Ticket price: Free
The Plaza Mayor Madrid dates back to the 15th century when it was originally called the “Plaza del Arrabal” and was used as the main market of the town.
Today, the Plaza Mayor Madrid is rectangular in shape and it features uniformity of the architecture. The Plaza measures 129 m x 94 m and there are 237 balconies overlooking the square from the three-story residential buildings that face inward towards the Plaza. To enter or exit The Plaza Mayor, there are ten entrances to choose from. There are several events hosted in the Plaza throughout the year.
Here are main attractions in the square:
Casa de la Panadería
Diego Sillero erected Casa de la Panaderia in 1590, but only the cellar and ground level of the original structure exist today. Nonetheless, it served as a model for the rest of the structures in the area. Among the many roles it has played in the past is that of the town’s primary bakery, which set the price of bread such that even the poorest citizens could afford it.
The royal quarters, the San Fernando Royal Academy of Fine Arts, and the History Academy have all been located there. The Plaza Mayor Tourist Center now occupies the space. Due to successive reforms and restorations, the decoration on the façade that we see today was not always the same in the past. Carlos Franco’s murals on the façade depict legendary figures associated with Madrid’s past, such as the goddess Cybele.
Arco de Cuchilleros
Fire has played a significant influence in shaping the square’s look on multiple times. The most devastating was in 1790, prompting a reconstruction by architect Juan de Villanueva, who reduced the building fronts by two levels, enclosed the plaza at its corners, and built nine entrance arches.
The Arco de los Cuchilleros, with its steep steps going up to the square, is the most well-known of the arches due to its imposing aspect. Because of their height and leaning façades that serve as buttresses, the picturesque buildings along this street catch the attention. Cuchilleros gets its name from the cutlers’ workshops that used to be here and supplied knives to the butchers in Plaza Mayor, where Casa de la Carnicera, originally the general meat deposit, is now.
Statue of Philip III
One of the most valuable works of art to be found on the streets of Madrid is a statue of the king on horseback. It was designed by Giambologna and completed by Pietro Tacca in 1616, and it guarded the entrance of Casa de Campo for generations until it was borrowed by Queen Isabel II in 1848 and placed in Plaza Mayor.
The statue has only been removed from what is arguably Madrid’s most prominent square during the two Republics.
Top hotels near Plaza Mayor Madrid
Santo Mauro, Autograph Collection
The Autograph Collection Hotel Santo Mauro is located near the Paseo de la Castellana in Madrid. There is free WiFi in all areas of the hotel. Housed in the Duke of Santo Mauro’s former residence, the hotel displays a French-marked...
Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques
Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques— The world’s leading hotels are situated 300 meters from the Royal Palace of Madrid, the Royal Theater and the Cathedral. It features a seasonal rooftop pool and a panoramic terrace overlooking the town. Set...
Travel info about Madrid and Spain
Madrid: elegant, historic and regal
Spain's elegant capital, Madrid, is famous for its boulevards and parks and as a center of world’s most renowned art museums. Prado Museum hosts works of Goya, Velázquez and other Spanish and European masters. Reina Sofia Museum hosts one of Picasso’s best works – Guernica. Madrid is also very modern...
Visit Spain: 14 things you need to know
Spain is ranked among top three tourist destinations for years now. Reasons are many: friendly people, excellent cuisine, dynamic night life and vast cultural heritage. Spain is a mixture of many cultures, ethnicities and languages and they are all worth exploring.
Tours and trips including Plaza Mayor Madrid
Interesting facts about Plaza Mayor Madrid
Here are some interesting facts about this amazing landmark:
- It is so large, about 50,000 people can fit there without crowding.
- It was partially or fully destroyed by three massive fires in its history – in the years of 1631, 1670 and 1790.
- The square is a home to the world’s oldest restaurant – Sobrino de Botin.
Safe travels!
Last Updated on July 22, 2021 by Admin @ gotravelyourself.com
