Its name, "home», Plaza Mayor, was in the beginning of the XVI century., After the restructuring which was here before the area Arrabal. And it was paved with stone pavement, built three-storey houses with arcades - in 1620, a large square area was open. In 1853, it revolutionized the architect. X. De Villa Nueva. In the XVI-XVIII centuries. Plaza Mayor was really the center of the city: there is a market, bull-fights were held here declared the Inquisition sentences, arranged public executions. The area served as the starting (or ending) point of religious processions, carnivals. It was declared King Philip V, Fernando VI, Carlos IV, there were solemn ceremonies dedicated to the canonization of St.. Teresa, St. Ignacio St. Isidro, etc.



To the square can be reached from nine adjacent streets - entrances are decorated arches. The main and most beautiful buildings in the area - Casa de la Panaderiya ("baker"), which stands on the north side. Bakery itself was located on the first floor, and with a second floor balcony, standing next to the colorful murals that adorn the walls, members of the royal family usually watched the events that took place at the bottom. On the opposite side of the square stands the Casa de la Karniseriya ("butcher shop"), a former butcher shop, and now the administration building.

From Plaza Mayor you can go through the south-eastern arcade on the street. Atocha and, after a few quarters to see the Palace of Santa Cruz (architect X. Gomez de Mora, Baroque, 1620-1640-s.), Now owned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It was built for the judicial institutions and prisons for the nobility. Skirting the palace, you can find on the street. Concepción Jerónimo, which will lead to the former cathedral of San Isidro (Baroque, XVII). This huge structure is not very interesting from an architectural point of view, but very honored - kept here the image of St.. Isidro, the patron saint of Madrid. The church is open until late at night and always full of people.