Plaza Mayor

This 90 by 120 meters square is probably with Puerta del Sol the famoust landmark in Madrid, inaugurated in the early 17th century. I love this place with it's theatral architecture and décor in pure Castillan spirit, designed by Juan Gomez de Mora, student Juan de Herrera the architect of El Escorial. The Statue in the Middle is for the King Philippe III.

With its 9 doors taking you to the most charming and ancient streets in the city. The place also was the theater of many events in the Spanish history, and continues until now to host exceptionally some events such as concerts,… On Sunday mornings, you will find there a market of stamps and money.

The restaurants around the plaza are not that famous, and I usually just take a drink or a coffee, there, and eat in restaurants nearby, less "touristic". If you're visiting for a few days Madrid, you can eat at Botin, the oldest restaurant in town which serves the famous "Cochon au Lait", or in Mercado San Miguel.

For more info, check out the Wikipedia page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plaza_Mayor,_Madrid
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