Plaza Mayor of Madrid

The Plaza Mayor of Madrid was built in the 1400's on the same location as the old Plaza del Arrabal (square outside the walls). It was used as a market in the Middle Ages. It is also called the Plaza de la Constitución.

In the 1560s, King Philip II and his architect, Juan de Herrera planned to create a proper square for the Courts. The first part to be finished was the Casa de la Panaderia (bakery) in 1590. Gómez de Mora gave it the rectangular form. The ground is still cobbled. It finally opened in 1620 under the rule of King Philip III.

The statue in the middle is King Philip III on horseback made by Juan de Bologna. The statue was moved from the Casa de Campo to the Plaza Mayor in 1848.

In the 1700's, it was used for the crowning of kings, bullfights, carnivals and even executions. People watched from the balconies around the square. 

The Plaza has been damaged by three fires. Juan de Villanova had the plaza built again in 1853 and that is what is seen today. People can enter the plaza through nine different arches.

References

 Other websites 

 Casa de la Panaderia. High resolution photo
 360° view of Plaza Mayor, Madrid
 Plaza Mayor, description and pictures 
Plaza Mayor Information and photos.
Plaza Mayor in English  Visitor and student information, history, present day uses and photos.

Category:Buildings and structures in Madrid
Category:Town squares in Europe
Category:1400s establishments
Category:15th-century establishments in Spain
Category:15th-century buildings and structures