The Reborn Plaza – Madrid's Plaza Mayor, Spain

Madrid's Plaza Mayor is one of the most iconic squares in Spain. It is not only the historical heart of Madrid but also a stage that has witnessed countless important events. The history of Plaza Mayor dates back to the 15th century, when it was known as 'Plaza del Arrabal', a market outside the city walls. In 1617, King Philip III (Felipe III) decided to transform it into a modern public square, designed by architect Juan Gómez de Mora, and it was completed in 1619.

The area around the main square (Plaza Mayor) mainly sold traditional items such as various textiles, ropes, hats, and religious articles. It is a unique square with a rectangular shape. It measures 128 meters across and 94 meters long, surrounded by four-story buildings. In the center of the square stands an equestrian statue of Philip III. Over the long years after its completion, it suffered three fires and was rebuilt, finally taking its current form in 1953.

The equestrian statue of Philip III on Plaza Mayor has a deep historical background and is one of the symbols of Spanish history and culture. Philip III (Felipe III) was the king of the Spanish Habsburg dynasty, reigning from 1598 to 1621. The construction of Plaza Mayor began under his patronage in 1619. The equestrian statue of Philip III in the center of the square was originally built in 1616, but it was not moved to the center of Plaza Mayor until 1848.

The equestrian statue of Philip III is not only a memorial to the king but also a symbol of the power and glory of the Habsburg dynasty. The statue depicts Philip III riding a majestic horse, reflecting Spain's status as a European power at the time. Made of bronze, the statue demonstrates a high level of artistry. Its design and craftsmanship reflect the exquisite skills of 17th-century Spanish sculpture, while also being influenced by the Italian Renaissance style of the time.

The architectural style of the square is full of Baroque romance and refinement. The surrounding buildings have 237 balconies facing the square. Historically, these balconies were the best spots to watch royal ceremonies, bullfights, and other events. Today, the balconies are often adorned with flowers, adding life and color to the square. The Casa de la Panadería is one of the main buildings on Plaza Mayor, its exterior covered with exquisite murals. These murals depict scenes of Spanish history and cultural elements, with bright colors full of Baroque artistic flair. These murals not only beautify the building's exterior but also add an artistic atmosphere to the square, attracting countless tourists.

Plaza Mayor is not only a witness to history but also a stage for modern life. The square is filled with various cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops. You can choose an open-air cafe, order a cup of Spanish-style hot chocolate, sit by the square, and enjoy a leisurely afternoon. Unfortunately, when we visited the square on a winter afternoon, the open-air square was quite cold. A small breeze even felt biting, so we had to give up. There are many street performers in the square, each surrounded by groups of spectators. There are flamenco dancers and jugglers, and regardless of the performance, the audience often bursts into applause.

When night falls, Plaza Mayor becomes even more charming. The lights on the square come on, and the buildings look more magnificent under the illumination. Strolling along the streets around the square, we found many small restaurants already full. People enjoy food, sing loudly, and the atmosphere is lively and joyful. Spaniards usually eat late, typically starting dinner at 9 p.m., but this is a tourist area, so even at 6 or 7 o'clock, the restaurants are buzzing with activity.

Next to Plaza Mayor, there is a large market with abundant food but no seats. Many people stand at the counters to eat and chat. Here you can find traditional Spanish churros with chocolate (Churros con Chocolate), as well as the famous seafood paella (Paella). The rice here is plump, absorbing rich sauce, and paired with fresh seafood, representing Madrid-style paella, though it is a bit undercooked. There is also delicious Spanish ham (Jamón Ibérico) and a variety of traditional Spanish tapas.

Perhaps the restaurants near Plaza Mayor are down-to-earth. They are not as formal and quiet as the traditional impression of European restaurants; instead, they are surrounded by a lively atmosphere that dispels the cold and gloom of winter.