Plaza de la Villa
Plaza de la Villa
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The area
Neighborhood: Austrias
How to get there
- Ópera • 5 min walk
- La Latina • 7 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
9,103 within 3 miles
Attractions
1,524 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Pernille ICopenhagen, Denmark7,189 contributionsBeautiful square retaining medieval authenticityThe Place de la Villa is a pure marvel of medieval architecture which has been left intact. No cafes or shops or other modern inventions to disturb the calm and beauty of the place. The square mainly contains three buildings of interest - the more recent Casa de la Villa (former Madrid town hall from 1693-2007); the Casa de Cisneros (15th century palace of a cardinal) and finally the oldest - the Casa de Lujanes. The last dates from the beginning of the 15th century and is one of the oldest houses in the city; in addition the French king François 1st is said to have resided here for a year while he was a prisoner of war of Charles V. It is a haven of peace and well worth a break - standing; because there are no benches, which again avoids too many people and noise. For once a good idea!Visited April 2024Traveled with friendsWritten April 16, 2024
- Vad A.Maryland112 contributionsFeels like being in a Lope de Vega's storyA genuine Old Madrid! Very atmospheric and intimate plaza not crowded by tourists. You can start learning about Mudejar style of architecture right from here (see the photo), before you go to visit Toledo. Seeing this plaza feels like being in one of Lope de Vega's stories! So if you like it, you must visit the Casa de Lope de Vega too!Visited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten July 30, 2024
- Madrilenos per un giornoMadrid, Spain60 contributionsPlaza de la Villa de MadridThe Plaza de la Villa, located in the heart of the district of los Austrias, is a jewel that shines with its own light both day and night. During the day, the square comes alive with tourists and madrileños strolling through its historic buildings, admiring the beauty of the Casa de la Villa, the Casa de Cisneros and the Torre de los Lujanes. But it is at night that the Plaza de la Villa reveals its most magical soul. The soft lights illuminate the ancient buildings, creating a suggestive and romantic atmosphere. The Torre de los Lujanes, with its imposing silhouette, stands out against the night sky, like a silent guardian of time. In the Middle Ages, it was known as Plazuela de El Salvador, for the nearby church. It was a nerve center of the city, where markets, rides and public events were celebrated. Until 2007, the Casa de la Villa was the seat of the City of Madrid. Curiosity: The oldest Spanish deck of cards was found in the Torre de los Lujanes, one of the buildings in the square. The Plaza de la Villa is a place that transports you to another era.Visited September 2024Traveled on businessWritten September 13, 2024
- Sally62Northampton, United Kingdom6,086 contributionsAttractive square in medieval MadridThis square is at the heart of medieval Madrid and is worth a visit. Surrounded by 15th, 16th and 17th century buildings it has a statue of the admiral Don Alvaro de Bazan at the centre in an attractive flower garden. It was recommended that we visit by someone in a shop that we visited and we were glad we wentVisited September 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 22, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Scotty102
Innerleithen, UK707 contributions
Jun 2022
Every city has those little publicized hidden wee gems tucked away, and this has to be one of Madrid's. Some of the oldest buildings in Madrid survive here. It's not that big but it's like stepping back in time when you stand in the middle of it, you can just feel the history of the place.
Written June 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Malgorzata
12,077 contributions
Aug 2020
In the historic center of Madrid, between Calle del Cordon, Calle del Codo and Calle de Madrid, is the Plaza de la Villa, a monumental complex of medieval Madrid. Now the Plaza de la Villa square seems very small, but it used to be an important center of life in medieval Madrid. Plaza de la Villa de Madrid is one of the most beautiful in Madrid. There are three buildings of great historical and artistic value in the square. This is the house and tower of the Luhanes family from 15th century, the Cisneros house from 16th century and the town hall from 17th century in the baroque style. Really beautiful and romantic wherever you look.
Written July 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Minerva
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain61 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
If you like baroque art, you cannot miss the Plaza de la Villa, one of the jewels of Madrid. This square, which was the center of the city's municipal power from the Middle Ages until recently, is surrounded by three spectacular buildings from the 17th century. To the west, is the old Casa de la Villa, with its baroque façade and its Herrera-style slate towers. To the east is the Lujanes house, of Mudejar origin, which is one of the oldest buildings in the capital, dating back to the end of the 15th century. Its even older brick tower is said to have been the prison of French King Francis I, who was captured by Emperor Charles V at the Battle of Pavia. According to legend, the French king paraded down Calle Mayor and the people of Madrid were more admired by his elegance than by his victor. The Cisneros house, in the Plateresque Gothic style, was built in 1537 and has later Renaissance additions.
Written November 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelleygirl2
Sarasota, FL6,290 contributions
Oct 2019
Just off the Calle Mayor we discovered the historic and unspoiled little Plaza de la Villa boasting the statue of Spanish noble Don Al Varo De Bazan renowned as the finest Admiral in Spanish maritime history in part because he protected the treasure ships that brought gold and silver from the New World. I later learned that Don Miguel Cervantes (Don Quixote) lost his left hand as he fought alongside Bazan in the battle of El Manco de Lepanto. Thankfully he wrote with his right hand!
Written January 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mairwen1
United Kingdom12,005 contributions
Feb 2020
If you have several days in Madrid and have time to explore beyond the main tourist sights, then this is an interesting diversion. If you are walking between Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace, the plaza is in between the two and is an interesting diversion.
It is one of the oldest squares in Madrid and is surrounded by 3 historic buildings. Curiously, each of the buildings was used to imprison people for one reason or another. There is a small central garden and monumental statue and the Convent of Carboneras Corpus Christi (where the nuns still make and sell traditional biscuits) is just around the corner. Altogether, there is enough to make it a worthwhile stop if you are in the area.
The main features in the plaza are:
1. Tower of the Lujanes (1400s) is the oldest civil building in Madrid and a rare surviving example of a palace-house. There is a story that the French king was imprisoned in this tower in 1525. When he was paraded down the street as a prisoner of war, the local people (much to the annoyance of authorities) were more impressed by the finery of his fashionable clothing than they were by his capture.
2. The Casa de Cisneros (1537) is the one behind the statue with a granite arch and a main balcony overlooking the square. Originally this was the back of the house where you accessed the stables and corrals. In 1590, Phillip II’s secretary, Antonio Perez was imprisoned here under house arrest after his involvement in a messy political assassination. He fled to France in the end to escape the king.
3. Casa de la Villa (1692) is the grandest looking building with the flags and was the city hall for over 300 years, right up until 2007. It also functioned as a prison for some of that time.
4. The central 3m tall statue is Alvaro de Bazan (1888). The name was completely unfamiliar to me but in the 1500s he was legendary as Spain’s most famous admiral who didn’t lose a battle in over 50 years.
It is one of the oldest squares in Madrid and is surrounded by 3 historic buildings. Curiously, each of the buildings was used to imprison people for one reason or another. There is a small central garden and monumental statue and the Convent of Carboneras Corpus Christi (where the nuns still make and sell traditional biscuits) is just around the corner. Altogether, there is enough to make it a worthwhile stop if you are in the area.
The main features in the plaza are:
1. Tower of the Lujanes (1400s) is the oldest civil building in Madrid and a rare surviving example of a palace-house. There is a story that the French king was imprisoned in this tower in 1525. When he was paraded down the street as a prisoner of war, the local people (much to the annoyance of authorities) were more impressed by the finery of his fashionable clothing than they were by his capture.
2. The Casa de Cisneros (1537) is the one behind the statue with a granite arch and a main balcony overlooking the square. Originally this was the back of the house where you accessed the stables and corrals. In 1590, Phillip II’s secretary, Antonio Perez was imprisoned here under house arrest after his involvement in a messy political assassination. He fled to France in the end to escape the king.
3. Casa de la Villa (1692) is the grandest looking building with the flags and was the city hall for over 300 years, right up until 2007. It also functioned as a prison for some of that time.
4. The central 3m tall statue is Alvaro de Bazan (1888). The name was completely unfamiliar to me but in the 1500s he was legendary as Spain’s most famous admiral who didn’t lose a battle in over 50 years.
Written November 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
j l
New York City, NY2,140 contributions
Dec 2016 • Solo
My tour guide took me there. She was saying this is her favorite plaza in Madrid and most beautiful. There are some gov buildings and historical buildings as well. It was OK for me.
Written January 23, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rumples
Tucson, AZ11,769 contributions
Aug 2016 • Solo
No shops, museums or restaurants drew me in to this small, three-sided pedestrian plaza by Calle Mayor. Instead, the beauty of the place stopped me in my tracks en route to the royal palace. As an architecture buff, I found the contrasting building styles appealing.and the lack of visitors during a busy tourist season a bonus.
The three major buildings on this plaza are the former town hall, built of granite in 1696; a castle that went up in 1537; and the Lujanes Tower, which dates back to the 15th century and is one of the oldest buildings in Madrid. The town hall shows off a Habsburg style baroque and was the seat of the city government from the Middle Ages until 2007. The castle's style is plateresque, while the Mudejar tower provides the third style. A statue near the rear of the plaza depicts Alvaro de Bazan, an admiral and hero in the Spanish Navy during the late 1500s.
I think the eclectic mix of architecture works well here and that the plaza is well worth a short stop to look at the details of its main components.
The three major buildings on this plaza are the former town hall, built of granite in 1696; a castle that went up in 1537; and the Lujanes Tower, which dates back to the 15th century and is one of the oldest buildings in Madrid. The town hall shows off a Habsburg style baroque and was the seat of the city government from the Middle Ages until 2007. The castle's style is plateresque, while the Mudejar tower provides the third style. A statue near the rear of the plaza depicts Alvaro de Bazan, an admiral and hero in the Spanish Navy during the late 1500s.
I think the eclectic mix of architecture works well here and that the plaza is well worth a short stop to look at the details of its main components.
Written September 2, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheShis
Tel Aviv, Israel43,419 contributions
Jan 2023
This is a lovely little square, not too far from Mayor square.
The city hall building is lovely, as is the small garden and statue in its middle.
The city hall building is lovely, as is the small garden and statue in its middle.
Written January 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travelcooking
London, UK3,687 contributions
May 2016
Probably the most neglected square in Madrid, but still beautiful. Located halfway between the Royal Palace and the Plaza Mayor, where you will come across this lovely square. It seems almost by chance that you got here. You can’t help but be fascinated. My advice is to come here and to learn about all the history that hides.
Written October 19, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonathan L
London, UK59 contributions
Aug 2016
Wandering through the streets of Madrid it is always a pleasure to come across an area of surprise. Walking along the Calle Mayor I stumbled across the Plaza de la Villa.
This square – the Plaza de la Villa - is situated in the older part of Madrid and regarded as one of the prettiest squares. Small in size, it is enclosed on three sides by beautiful baroque-style buildings. These buildings originally housed Madrid’s city government until it moved to the Palacio de Comunicaciones on Plaza de la Cibeles. The Casa de Villa building in the Plaza de la Villa - with its balcony and flags standing proud - also used to serve as Madrid’s town hall.
Despite being several minutes’ walk from Plaza Mayor this is a simple, clean and peaceful square. There are no cafes, bars or restaurants, just a pedestrianized square with an air of serenity.
A statue of the Spanish naval commander Don Alvaro de Bazán stands in the centre of the square and there are several historic plaques mounted on the walls, including one which tells that this was the birthplace of the Madrileño composer Chueca.
I would certainly recommend you take some time to visit this square during a stay in Madrid.
This square – the Plaza de la Villa - is situated in the older part of Madrid and regarded as one of the prettiest squares. Small in size, it is enclosed on three sides by beautiful baroque-style buildings. These buildings originally housed Madrid’s city government until it moved to the Palacio de Comunicaciones on Plaza de la Cibeles. The Casa de Villa building in the Plaza de la Villa - with its balcony and flags standing proud - also used to serve as Madrid’s town hall.
Despite being several minutes’ walk from Plaza Mayor this is a simple, clean and peaceful square. There are no cafes, bars or restaurants, just a pedestrianized square with an air of serenity.
A statue of the Spanish naval commander Don Alvaro de Bazán stands in the centre of the square and there are several historic plaques mounted on the walls, including one which tells that this was the birthplace of the Madrileño composer Chueca.
I would certainly recommend you take some time to visit this square during a stay in Madrid.
Written August 16, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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