The look of the plaza mayor changed several times over the years and so did the squares name. It started out as the Plaza del Arrabal. The Medieval city of Madrid was walled and started to be too small to accommodate the population during the reign of  Juan II of Castilla. Juan II decided to expand the city outside the city walls and develop several new neighborhoods. The original square was located in this new neighborhood just outside the original city walls and was known as the Arrabal, therefore the square was named Arrabal Square. After that, the square was also known as la Plaza de la Constitución and the Plaza de la República at different points. In the end, the square would be known as the Plaza Mayor after the Spanish civil war.

The square has also been used for a variety of things: from bullfights to public executions, trials during the Inquisition, Royal Crowning ceremonies, concerts, etc. But the main use throughout the many years has been as a marketplace. Currently, the Plaza Mayor features seasonal markets, the most famous of which is the Christmas Market which has been a tradition in Madrid since 1860. During the Christmas holidays, the square is filled with stands selling all types of Christmas-y paraphernalia and a giant Christmas tree is placed in the center. Locals and visitors alike flock the in droves to experience true Marileño Christmas spirit.

Today the square is also lined with a number of restaurants, bars, and shops. The Plaza Mayor can get crowded and a bit “touristy” and these businesses cater to this crowd, so be warned that everything is a bit overpriced and not the most authentic experience you can have in the city.

Lastly, the square features 2 monuments inside which you need to check out. At the center of the Plaza you will find an impressive statue. The statue is of Phillip the III on his horse. This statue was created in 1616 and for over 200 years stood in the Casa de Campo, Madrid’s largest park. It was moved to the Plaza Mayor in 1848 and has stood there ever since. Then there is the Casa de la Panaderia or the Bakery House, named after the bakery that once stood in the same spot and that knows the most impressive building in the square.