the Spanish coat of arms
they play popular classic music
the south gate to the Calle de Toledo
one of the frescos of Carlos Franco
where the heck are we?
we are hungry
stamps anybody?
Plaza Mayor is a large square in the center of old Madrid, near the Puerta del Sol.
The square is enclosed by three-story
high buildings. The lower floor is used for shops and restaurants, the upper levels are in use as apartments.
The
Casa
de la Panaderķa on the north side is for municipal purposes and sports colorful frescos of mythological figures, designed by
Carlos Franco in 1988.
A bronze statue of
Philipe III dominates the square because the construction started in 1617 under
his reign.
The Plaza in its present form dates from 1790 after devastating fires leveled the old square.
Over the centuries
the location has been used for markets and lodging, bull fighting, public penance and executions and several sport events. Its name
has changed many times until after the Civil War it was named Pllaza Mayor.
The Plaza is very popular with tourists because
of the many street-artists and outdoor eateries.
view on the Casa de la Panaderķa with the statue of Philip III
looking to the southeast
on the Calle de Toledo
they are tired