Attractions

An emblematic place in Madrid with its origins in the old Plaza del Arrabal, outside the walls of the medieval enclosure and the commercial centre of early Madrid. It had an irregular shape due to its spontaneous growth, and was the subject of several regularisation projects. When Madrid was chosen as the capital, it was necessary to create a real Plaza Mayor and Philip II commissioned Juan de Herrera to do so. In the 19th century, the statue of Felipe III, whose reign the construction of the square belongs to, was placed there.

The Museo Nacional del Prado, since it was inaugurated in 1819 and throughout its centenary history, has fulfilled the lofty mission of conserving, exhibiting and enriching the collections and works of art which, closely linked to the history of Spain, constitute one of the highest manifestations of artistic expression of recognised universal value.

Erected in 1778 by Italian architect Francesco Sabatini, this triumphal gate was once the main entrance to the city. It was commissioned by King Charles III - over time nicknamed the Best Mayor of Madrid -, who was unimpressed by the gate that welcomed him when he first arrived in 1759. 

The gate was given the name Puerta de Alcalá because it was on the road that led to Alcalá de Henares, Cervantes’ hometown.

Opened back in May 1916 as a local food market, in 2009 the Mercado de San Miguel – one of the city’s finest examples of cast-iron architecture located a stone's throw from Plaza Mayor – became Madrid’s first gourmet market. Nine years later, in 2018, it was relaunched with a number of internationally-renowned chefs joining the ranks.

Most famous historical parken in Madrid