The Plaza Mayor in Madrid is one of the most important public spaces in the city. It has been a central point for social, cultural, and political events since the 17th century.
The square is surrounded by several buildings that are significant both historically and architecturally. In this article, we’ll explore what these buildings are and what role they played in shaping Madrid’s history.
Casa de la Panadería
One of the most prominent buildings in the Plaza Mayor is the Casa de la Panadería. This building was constructed in 1590 and served as a bakery until the early 20th century.
Today, it houses the Madrid Tourist Information Centre. The façade of the building is adorned with frescoes that depict scenes from mythological and historical events.
Real Casa de la Carnicería
Another significant building around the Plaza Mayor is Real Casa de la Carnicería, which was built between 1610 and 1612. The building served as a meat market until 1868. Today, it houses several municipal offices including an exhibition hall where art exhibitions are regularly held.
Casa de la Villa
Casa de la Villa was built in the early 17th century as a town hall for Madrid’s government officials. The building was later used as a prison for several years before being restored to its original purpose in 1955. Today, it houses the offices of Madrid City Council.
Los Cuchilleros Arch
Los Cuchilleros Arch is an entrance archway to one of Madrid’s oldest streets – Calle Cuchilleros. It was built in the early 18th century and served as an access point for merchants who sold knives and cutlery on Calle Cuchilleros.
Other Buildings
There are several other buildings around the Plaza Mayor that are worth mentioning. One such building is the Casa de la Carnicería Vieja, which was built in the early 17th century as a meat market.
Today, it houses the Municipal Board of Centro District. Another building worth mentioning is Casa de la Contratación, which was built in the early 17th century as a trading house for goods from America. Today, it houses a cultural centre that hosts exhibitions and events.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the buildings around the Plaza Mayor have played a significant role in shaping Madrid’s history. They have witnessed several historical events and served important functions such as bakeries, meat markets, town halls and trading houses.
Today, these buildings have been repurposed to serve modern needs such as tourism centres, municipal offices and cultural centres. The Plaza Mayor remains one of Madrid’s most iconic public spaces with its stunning architecture and rich history.