And love to update for you and me this older post in my blog. This is a memorable square for me as came here first in 1970 looking for Don Quijote statue and even climb it as young teen in my crazy days!!! Love it; sadly too poor to have a camera then. Once back as a young adult was already more stable , had the camera but did not climb the statue … Anyway, came with the family and show them around, and then came back again, and again, always a must stop in Madrid for me. Hope you enjoy the update on the Plaza de España or Spain’s square of Madrid!
I like to bring up one that is very popular and better known for the literary history on it. I will talk about the Plaza de Espana. Many times came here with my dear late mother Gladys to seek history of our Spain, and play and get some refreshing afternoon splash on the fountain , and more… All again repeated bringing my girlfriend and the then dear late wife Martine, as well as the boys. The ladies always in our hearts. The square is very central to many nice things to do and gorgeous parks , as well on the ending of the Gran Via and continuation into Calle de la Princesa all the way to the Faro de Moncloa and Arco de la Victoria, many times walk the beat , gorgeous just thinking about it.
The Plaza de Espana was before inhabited by vegetable gardens irrigated by the stream of Leganitos, that started in the nearby fountain of Leganitos between the Gran Vía and Calle de la Princesa. The square is located in the district of Moncloa-Aravaca and Argüelles , at the western end of Gran Vía and north of the Royal Palace. The Calles de la Princesa, Leganitos, Bailen, Ferraz and La Cuesta de San Vicente can be found in this square, as well as the Gran Vía. And with 36 900 square meters is among the largest squares in Spain.
It is best known for the statue at the center dedicated to the Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes y Saavedra and for the skyscrapers that border it that are the Edificio Espana (built 1953 with 117 meters/ 384 feet) and the Torre Madrid (built 1957 with 142 meters/ 466 feet). In front of the statue of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, a pond of rectangular form is located that forms one of the most typical views of the Spanish capital, since just behind it see the buildings of Torre de Madrid and Edificio España. The constructive part of the monument is elaborated in granite, while the sculptural part was decided to be made in red stone from Sepúlveda ,and with some additions in bronze.This accomplishment was carried out on the occasion of the third centenary of the publication of the second part of Don Quijote, in 1915, and which continued with the centenary of the death of the writer (1616), in 1916.
The sculptures that make up this emblematic monument have, on the one hand, a seated Cervantes and at the base of the monument, and under the feet of the writer, are the statues of Don Quijote and Sancho Panza. The set was finalized when the figures of Dulcinea and Aldonza Lorenzo were added, also characters of the Cervantes novel. Alluding to the universality of Don Quixote, the monument also contemplates the five continents, all of them reading the work of Cervantes. On the other side and above the fountains, is represented the Spanish Literature, dressed in period and holding a book with his right hand. The tree that predominates in the landscaping of the square is the olive tree, in homage to the Castilla La Mancha fields in the wanderings of Don Quijote and Sancho.
There, you will also, find the House of Gallardo, built in 1911, considered one of the notable examples of the Art Nouveau style of architecture in the city. In the opposite corner is located, the Royal Asturian Mining Company Building, an architectural complex of great beauty; built between 1891 and 1899. Almost at the beginning of the Calle de la Princesa, is the Palace of Liria, an architectural ensemble that belongs to the House of Alba and has some notable gardens. Nearby, in Calle de Ferraz, you will find the Cerralbo museum (see post). A few meters from the museum, another of the obligatory visits is the temple of Debod,(see post) a funerary monument of Egyptian origin that moved to Madrid in 1970. The popular Gran Via, or the Senate building.
You get here by Metro station Plaza de España, located on the eastern corner of the square service by line 3 and 10 and connection with the line 2 Noviciado ,as well as many bus lines. Parking by calle de San Bernardino, 4, between the metro stations Plaza de España and Noviciado good location behind the square.
The Madrid tourist office on the Plaza de España: https://www.esmadrid.com/en/tourist-information/plaza-de-espana
It is a memorable spot with many families even on weekend, sharing this beautiful spot with the world. I remembered fondly and do stop by every chance of visiting the city which has been every year since 2003! I could not come to Spain without stopping in Madrid, if won’t feel the same…my family so kindly learned why and I thank them. They too became in love with the city, who wouldn’t! From Madrid to heaven and a hole in the sky to look down on it everyday!
Again, hope you have enjoy the post on the Plaza de España of Madrid, and thanks for reading me over these years, appreciated.
And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all!!!
PS. just to remind me the Plaza de España has finished a complete renovation with tunnels connecting underneath for better traffic flow, and more green/pedestrian spaces. It is new and more power to be back as soon as possible to my Madrid!
Paris1972-Versailles2003 