Plaza Mayor and other Madrid, Spain Things to Do Tips

As the cultural and historical focal point of Madrid, Plaza Mayor is the most celebrated part of the Spanish capital. The Plaza was born in the 17th century when it was carved out of a chaotic part of the old city, resulting in this spacious, orderly rectangle in the middle of narrow meandering streets of old Madrid. The contrast, as one walks into the square through the arched puertas, is rather stark. Car-free and carefree, Plaza Mayor is a highly relaxed and picturesque part of Madrid, with many cafés and restaurants lining the sides, and tourists as well as locals enjoying the atmosphere. The buildings surrounding Plaza Mayor are now government offices. For even more photos of this picturesque Plaza, see the travelogue Plaza Mayor.

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Address: Plaza Mayor - Old Madrid
Directions: Metro Sol & Opera

This beautiful 17th century Habsburg-style building lies just outside Plaza Mayor at Plaza de Santa Cruz. Despite its name - Palacio de Santa Cruz - and its palatial appearance, the building was in fact originally built as a prison. Today, it serves as the Foreign Ministry.

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Address: Plaza de Santa Cruz

The tasteful combination of Gothic and Islamic styles makes la Iglesia de la Santa Cruz one of the more interesting churches in Madrid. The tower is neo-Mudéjar in style yet also has Gothic features. There is a small museum inside the church with interesting works of arts.

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Address: Calle de Atocha
Directions: Just outside Plaza Mayor, off Plaza de la Santa Cruz.

Located in the heart of Madrid, just outside Plaza Mayor, the Mercado de San Miguel is a local market for fresh produce and other food items. The market takes its name from the nonextant church of San Miguel which once occupied the site. Although the tradition began in 1835, it was initially an open-air market until the cast iron structure was built over it in 1916, inspired by les Halles in Paris. The Mercado de San Miguel is the last remaining example of such markets in Madrid, but it was closed for a few years while undergoing major restoration work. I have heard that it has recently reopened keeping its tradition as a fresh produce and food market.

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Address: Plaza de San Miguel
Website: www.mercadodesanmiguel.es

Built in the 17th century, la Colegiata de San Isidro served as the cathedral of Madrid until la Almudena was completed in 1993. The Baroque style church is located just to the south of Plaza Mayor along Calle de Toledo and can be seen from Plaza Mayor. Parts of the interior of the church are very richly decorated (see attached photos).

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Address: Calle de Toledo 37

Yet another church in Madrid with a Mudéjar style tower, Iglesia de San Pedro El Viejo originally dates back to the 14th century. It counts among Madrid's oldest churches, though it has been transformed over time with the tower being the only surviving piece of the original 14th century structure.

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Address: Calle del Nuncio, 14
Directions: Near Plaza de la Paja

A beautiful peach-coloured 17th century church located on Plaza San Andrés. It was built in honour of San Isidro two centuries after his death.

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Address: Plaza de San Andrés, 1
Directions: Near Cava Baja where many trendy tapas bars are found

With its curved convex façade and elegant Baroque style, the 18th century Basílica Pontífica de San Miguel is my favourite church in Madrid. The Baroque interior complements the outside and has some beautiful frescoes painted on the walls and dome. In my visit to Madrid in November 2007, this church was covered in scaffolding, undergoing some restoration work.

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Address: Calle de San Justo 4
Directions: Old Madrid

This exquisite 16th century building was originally constructed for the Cardinal Benito Jiménez de Cisneros. Later in its history, it was acquired by Madrid's Ayuntamiento as a supplemental building to the city hall function.

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Address: Plaza de la Villa, 4

The 15th century Torre de los Lujanes counts among the oldest buildings in Madrid. The Mudéjar style tower may have been the minaret of a mosque. It is located on Plaza de la Villa, opposite the Ayuntamiento.

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Address: Calle Mayor