Plaza de la Paja Madrid

Historical Madrid

Andrea from Madrid

"Calle Redondilla (bottom of the square to the left) has maybe the oldest standing building in Madrid at Number 10 - it's from the 15th century,"

Plaza de la Paja is a large square in the La Latina neighbourhood of Madrid, which slopes down from Plaza de los Carros to Calle Segovia.

It's on the edge of the oldest part of town called "Madrid de las Austrias", an area that includes La Plaza de la Villa, la Plaza del Oriente and la Plaza Mayor - the heart of the old city. Back in the 13th and 14th centuries, there was a lively market here, selling straw (paja) for the mules that drew the carts (carros) hence the name.

Great restaurants to choose from on the square include, Vida Burger (vegan burgers) and Delic, which has wonderful cakes, cocktails and coffee. Sitting outside is a good option; the trees make it a very pleasant place to be.

Calle Redondilla (bottom of the square to the left) has maybe the oldest standing building in Madrid at Number 10 - it's from the 15th century but remains from the Bronze Age have been discovered in this area. Take a right from there onto Angosta de los Mancebos you'll find yourself on Calle Bailen, with the Viaducto, the Royal Palace and the distant mountains to your right.

Enjoy exploring!

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Madrid Spotter Andrea

About Me I am a teacher and examiner who made a home in Madrid many years ago. I love live music, art, books, travel, food and dancing and am well served for all my interests in Madrid. I live on a special plane where I exist as an eternal tourist (check out Alain de Botton’s book The Art of Travel) who maintains a sense of wonder in a familiar place. I love showing people round my favourite spots in Madrid but am never happier than when I am discovering new gems. Why Madrid Madrid seduced me when I first visited, with its untamed and unapologetic Spanishness. We came ...

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Plaza de la Paja

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Nov 10, 2025

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