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The plazas in Madrid have always been the traditional center where locals gather for celebrating events and festivals. Although there are plenty of plazas that you could choose from, they differ in shapes - some oval, round or rectangular.
Here are some of the Must See plazas in Madrid .
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Puerta del Sol - Sun Gate
Being situated in the heart of the city, it is the busiest plaza and is a favorite meeting place of the locals. You can enter this square via any of ten major streets. When you are coming from the West side, it is located in Calles Arenal and Mayor . When you came from the East, it is located in Carrera San Jeronimo and Calle Alcala .
The name of the square was obtained from a motif of the sun (el sol), which was decorated at the chapel s frontage. However, the sun was demolished in 1570 when the area was remodeled as a welcome gift for Felipe II s fourth wife, Anne of Austria.
The building s baroque design was the work of a French architect named Jaime Marquet. The clock tower, however, was only added to the square around 1866.
As a tradition, the Sun Gate square is the main location where hundreds of people gather to celebrate the New Year s Eve.
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Plaza de Oriente - East Square
Originally designed in 1811, this semi-circular plaza was the idea of Joseph Bonaparte who wanted a better view of the Palacio Real . So, he ordered to knock the existing buildings down and make an attractive square similar to Champs Elysees .
The main feature of the plaza is an equestrian statue of Felipe IV, which was based from Velazquez s painting. Aside from this exquisite art, 44 other royal statues could be found throughout the plaza. It was said that the 44 statues of royalty were supposed to be on top of the square. Because they were too heavy, they was left as they are today.
You can walk by the Teatro Real, Madrid s famous opera house located at the east of the Plaza de Oriente. The nearest metro station is the Opera.
Plaza Mayor - Main Square
Officially named as Plaza de la Constitucion , the Plaza Mayor is a rectangular-shaped area for festivals.
It was constructed in the 15 th century and was called Plaza del Arrabel Square outside the Walls . The first part to be built in the plaza is the Casa de la Panaderia .
At the center of the plaza, you could see the equestrian statue of Felipe III, which was made by Pietro Tacca and Juan de Bolonia.
Until the end of the 18 th century, this plaza was also an arena for executions. People surrounding the plaza can easily view the event take place. Around 1960, the plaza was given an easier route via nine ways.
You could visit the Plaza Mayor by riding the metro station going to either Opera or Sol.
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Plaza de la Villa - City Hall Square The Plaza de la Villa is a small and stunning square that is home of three buildings. Since 1405, the Madrid Town Council has been meeting at the Casa de la Villa or Madrid s City Hall, which is located at the east side of the square. The building, which has a baroque style, was designed by Juan Gomez de Mora in 1640. However, Mora died before the completion of the plaza. At the south side of the square is the newer building called the Casa de Cisneros . Built in 1537 by Cardinal Cisneros nephew, the Plateresque-styled palace displays great beauty and sophistication. The third building is called the Casa y Torre de los Lujanes. Designed with gothic interior, it stands as one of Madrid s pride landmarks. Around 1460, this building was the residence of a Madrid noble family. When Hernando of Alarcon lived here, it was rumored that he held the king of France, Francois I, captive here. You can visit the buildings for free. Every Mondays from five to six in the afternoon, there are guided tours available. You can visit all three buildings of Plaza de la Villa by riding the metro to Opera or Sol.
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Plaza de la Cibeles - Cybele s Square
Although this plaza is located at one of Madrid s busiest streets, the features of the square make your driving in traffic worthwhile. The main attraction in this area is the marble fountain of the fertility goddess Cibeles.
Included in the plaza are several buildings. One of the most impressive among them is the Palacio de Comunicaciones or the Central Post Office, which was designed by Antonio Palacios in 1904. It is located at the south east of the square.
Another building in this area is the Banco de España , which was constructed in 1891. The architectural design is a mixture of rococo, baroque and neoclassical.
In the 18 th century, the Palacio de Buenavista , which accommodates the Cuartel General del Ejercito or the army headquarters, was built.
The Palacio de Linares was designed by an architect named Carlos Collubi in 1872. Although it has been rumored to be haunted, the renovated building was opened again in 1992.
If you wish to visit any of these buildings, you can ride the metro station and go down at Banco de España station. Another option is riding the railway to Atocha and Recoletos.
Plaza dos de Cascorro
The representative of this square is a seafood bar located at the right side of the area. Beside the plaza, you can see the statue of a local hero named Eloy Gonzalo . Also included in the plaza is a large mural illustration of the area as it was a hundred year ago.
You could visit the Plaza dos de Cascorro by metro if you stop at La Latina or Tirso de Molina station.
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