Plaza Mayor, a grand rectangular plaza in the heart of Madrid, Spain, is steeped in history and architectural magnificence. Built during the Habsburg period, it is a central plaza in the city of Madrid surrounded by three-story residential buildings having 237 balconies facing the plaza. It has a total of nine entranceways with the most famous being the "Arco de Cuchilleros". The history of Plaza Mayor dates back to the 15th century when it was originally called "Plaza del Arrabal" and was used as the main market of the town. Its transformation into a major public space started in 1580 under the rule of Philip II, whose architect Juan de Herrera was tasked with its design. However, the Plaza we see today is largely the work of Juan Gómez de Mora, who reconstructed it after a series of devastating fires. In the centre of the square stands a bronze statue of King Philip III on horseback, an artwork by Jean Boulogne and Pietro Tacca, which adds to the grandeur of the Plaza. Over the centuries, Plaza Mayor has been a versatile space hosting a variety of events from markets, bullfights, soccer games, to public executions during the Spanish Inquisition. The square is known for its uniform architecture, the result of a major reconstruction carried out by architect Juan de Villanueva after a fire in 1790. The dominant colour of the buildings is a deep burnt sienna, all uniformly three stories high, with the ground floor colonnade providing shade for the cafes and restaurants that now occupy them. The top of the buildings is decorated with frescoes and each corner of the square is marked by an intricate design. Plaza Mayor is not just an open-air museum telling tales of Madrid's past, but it’s also a bustling place filled with cafes and restaurants, making it a favourite spot for both locals and tourists. It is especially popular during the Christmas season when it transforms into a huge Christmas market. One notable building in the square is the Casa de la Panadería, recognisable by its stunning frescoes. The building currently serves as the headquarters of the Madrid Tourist Board, but its history is rich, having served as the main bakery of the city, the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, and even the city's main lottery office. In short, Plaza Mayor is like a living, breathing painting which encapsulates Madrid's vibrant history and cultural life. It stands as a true testament to the city's past and its ever-evolving present.