Plaza Mayor

Madrid's Plaza Mayor is a grand, historical square in the heart of the city. There you should admire the mural-like fa�ade of what is known as the Casa de la Panader�a and the equestrian statue of King Felipe III. Wander, too, around the pedestrian arcades with restaurants and shops. When the weather is nice, the restaurants set up tables with umbrellas and chairs for dining in the square. Since the 15th century, locals have gathered here for markets and important events, and they still do, like the annual Christmas market. However, due to a series of fires, the larger-than-life square's splendid architecture dates primarily from the 1700s and reconstructions from the 1800s.