In the heart of the city vv

The Plaza Mayor has been the scene of multitudinous events: markets, bullfights, soccer games, public executions, and, during the Spanish Inquistion, "autos de fe" against supposed heretics and the executions of those condemned to death. The Plaza Mayor also has a ring of old and traditional shops and cafes under its porticoes. Celebrations for San Isidro, patron saint of Madrid, are also held here. It is located only a few blocks away from another famous plaza, the Puerta del Sol. The name of the plaza has changed over time. Originally it was called the "Plaza del Arrabal" but became known as the "Plaza Mayor".
The Plaza Mayor is now a major tourist attraction, visited by thousands of tourists a year.

"Centro" non solo geografico di Madrid, insieme a Puerta del Sol, dove è situata la pietra miliare con cui si misurano le distanze da Madrid, è la meta più ambita dai turisti, qui si mangiano i migliori "bocadillos de calamares" di tutta Madrid. Affascinante per i suoi porticati e per l'onnipresenza di "artisti di strada" ospita la Casa de la Panaderia riconoscibile per gli affreschi che decorano tutta la sua facciata, un tempo sede di molti tipi di spettacoli: dalle corride ai giudizi della Santa inquisizione, oggi ospita l'ufficio del turismo d'obbligo data la mole di iniziative che ogni settimana offre Madrid.

Plaza Mayor is delightful, especially on a summer evening with shadows lengthening and a glass of wine or a pitcher of sangria in front of you. The problem is, that glass of wine or pitcher of sangria will cost you triple what you'll pay just a block away on a less illustrious plaza. Ah well, you get what you pay for -- where else can you tip a glass with the ghosts of kings and nobles, heretics and inquisitors, on the plaza that's been Madrid's main event since the days of the Hapsburgs?

One of the most characteristic places of Madrid, remodeled in the 15th century. Full of restaurants, this square is one of the "must see" monuments in Madrid. The surroundings are also pricey, as the restaurants, but the region, not far from Puerta del Sol and the city traditional market, is a nightlife spot where you can find pubs, discos and bars.