Beatriz from Madrid

Hi! I'm Bea! Born and raised in Madrid, I’m a geographer with a passion for places—not just maps and landscapes, but the stories, streets, and people that bring them to life. I love wandering through neighborhoods (both at home and when I travel), always on the lookout for spots that feel genuine, lived-in, and full of personality. I'm also a CrossFit enthusiast and a big fan of discov...
Jul 21, 2025

Plaza de la Villa Madrid

Three cultures, three eras

"Plaza de la Villa isn’t just a photo stop, it’s a peaceful place to connect with Madrid’s deep, diverse roots, away from the crowds but full of meaning."

Plaza de la Villa is one of Madrid’s most beautiful and historic squares. It is a quiet spot that brings together three different time periods and three major cultures that shaped the city.

The square is surrounded by buildings from three key eras. First is the Torre de los Lujanes, from the 15th century, built in a medieval style with some mudéjar (Muslim-inspired) details. It's one of the oldest buildings in Madrid and is said to have once held a captured French king. Then comes the Casa de Cisneros, a Renaissance-style palace from the 16th century. Finally, the Casa de la Villa, built in the 17th century, served as Madrid’s City Hall for centuries and shows the elegance of Baroque architecture.

These buildings also reflect three important cultures that coexisted in Spain’s past: Muslim, Christian, and Jewish.

In the center stands a statue of Don Álvaro de Bazán, a Spanish naval hero. Surrounded by cobblestones and silence, the plaza feels like a step back in time.

Plaza de la Villa isn’t just a photo stop, it’s a peaceful place to connect with Madrid’s deep, diverse roots, away from the crowds but full of meaning. I love passing by when I'm wandering through Madrid and the streets surrounding it have a lot of personality, it feels like truly walking through the medieval city.

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Plaza de la Villa

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