Madrid's beautiful plazas seem to be the center of life for many Madrilenos and after spending a bit of time in them I can see why. Pictured below is Plaza Mayor and it is located in the center of Madrid. Although it is now a major tourist attraction this rectangular plaza (created during the Hapsburg period) was once the scene of bullfights, markets, and even public executions. A bronze statue of King Philip III can be seen in the center and the building behind him was originally used as a bakery.
Just a few blocks east of Plaza Mayor sits the Puerta del Sol (Gate of the Sun). It is probably the busiest plaza in Madrid and in the 15the century it held one of the city gates. As I mentioned in an earlier post, Puerta del Sol holds Km 0 of the radial network of Spanish roads as well as the bear and madrone tree which is the symbol of Madrid (pictured below).
Closer to our hotel was Plaza de Santa Ana. This plaza is surrounded by cafes and tapas bars at which we had some delicious meals. Teatro Espanol, Spain's oldest theater, watches over the plaza which contains a few monuments to Spain's golden age. Pictured below is the poet Federico Garcia Lorca.
One of my favorite plazas was Plaza de Espana because of it's peacefulness, cleanliness, and green space. It is located at the west end of the Gran Via and has a monument to Cervantes in the center. My photo was taken in the center of the plaza looking back upon the Edificio Espana building.
After traveling to many major European cities I can see why plazas and squares are so important to everyday life. I love how the locals pass through the plazas on their evening strolls, visit the bakery for their daily baguette, or meet their best friend for a coffee. I could get use to this kind of living...
Just a few blocks east of Plaza Mayor sits the Puerta del Sol (Gate of the Sun). It is probably the busiest plaza in Madrid and in the 15the century it held one of the city gates. As I mentioned in an earlier post, Puerta del Sol holds Km 0 of the radial network of Spanish roads as well as the bear and madrone tree which is the symbol of Madrid (pictured below).
Closer to our hotel was Plaza de Santa Ana. This plaza is surrounded by cafes and tapas bars at which we had some delicious meals. Teatro Espanol, Spain's oldest theater, watches over the plaza which contains a few monuments to Spain's golden age. Pictured below is the poet Federico Garcia Lorca.
One of my favorite plazas was Plaza de Espana because of it's peacefulness, cleanliness, and green space. It is located at the west end of the Gran Via and has a monument to Cervantes in the center. My photo was taken in the center of the plaza looking back upon the Edificio Espana building.
After traveling to many major European cities I can see why plazas and squares are so important to everyday life. I love how the locals pass through the plazas on their evening strolls, visit the bakery for their daily baguette, or meet their best friend for a coffee. I could get use to this kind of living...
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