One of the most emblematic places in Madrid, the Main Square, has a long and interesting history. The square is located down town and nearby the famous Puerta del Sol (Sun Door) and it is a compulsory visit if you travel around Madrid. Do you want to know the reason why?
The Main Square has been the scenery for some of the most important events concerning the Spanish history. The first buildings that formed the square were built at the end of the year 1500, but it was in 1617 that the King Felipe III ordered the construction of the rest of the buildings, giving to the Main Square its own structure.
During more than 400 years of history, the square has witnessed huge modifications due to fire devastations. The latest big change included the reduction of the size of the houses (more than the half of them had been destroyed by the fire) to just 3 floors and the construction of entrance arcades on the corners.
In this square many things have taken place, from the famous bullfighting to public executions. For a long period of time food markets and other lines took place within its limits. Due to its excellent position and because it was built thinking in a place where to lodge the kings, the first house was a bakery in the ground floor having royal rooms in the second one.
But this place went on changing as years went by; in 1848 the equestrian statue of Felipe III was placed there. Recently, in 1992, some of the fa
