Places in Madrid older than Plaza Mayor itself
This year, one of Madrid’s most iconic places is celebrating its anniversary. Plaza Mayor turns 400 years old and, to celebrate it, 2017 will see all kinds of events organised in it.
April 14-15 will see an exhibition of saetas, a traditional Spanish religious song, inside the square, which will pay tribute to the four brotherhoods who will stop there during Madrid’s Holy Week.
April 20-21, as part of the World Forum of Urban Violence, the Proyecta 2017 photographic exhibition will be on show in Plaza Mayor. Locals and visitors can enjoy a videography show that will turn the square into an interactive space dedicated to art and photography.
Mercado de las Palabras (Words Market) will take place on April 23rd in front of Casa de la Panadería. This market consists of seven stalls that will invite all passers-by to immerse themselves in the universe of words from a completely different perspective through riddles, listening and tastings.
However, in Madrid there are still places older than Plaza Mayor with a history just as enthralling as the square.
Antigua Farmacia de la Reina Madre is the oldest business in the Spanish capital. This pharmacy is located near Plaza Mayor, more specifically on Calle Mayor, and it opened for business in 1578. Drop by and check out its old prescriptions, its tiled walls and learn about its secret: an old tunnel, not in use today, which communicated this establishment with none other than the Royal Palace.
Anyone who has walked around the old town of Madrid will have stopped to enjoy Plaza de la Villa. The old home of the City Council is the square’s oldest building, Casa y Torre de los Lujanes (Fifteenth century), and in the centre of the square is a statue of Álvaro de Bazán, a leading military figure in the Battle of Lepanto.
From Calle Mayor we move onto Calle Arenal, where you can find one of the oldest and most charming spots in Madrid: the San Ginés Library. Located next to the homonymous church, this street library founded by Don Diego Logroño started selling books in 1650 and hasn’t stopped since then, offering all kinds of literary genres.
Which of these historical places are you going to visit first?
Categories: Cultura Madrid
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