A bustling square that showcases Madrid’s modern side, but also lies close to many historical Habsburg landmarks. Its theaters and cinemas connect to the city’s evolving cultural landscape, which flourished under the Habsburgs’ rule in the 16th and 17th centuries, when the arts were highly patronized.

This square is home to the Monastery of Las Descalzas Reales, founded by Joanna of Austria, the daughter of Emperor Charles V and sister of Philip II. The monastery was closely tied to the Habsburg court and served as a spiritual refuge for noblewomen, preserving the religious and cultural legacy of the era.

As the geographical center of Madrid, Puerta del Sol was an important gathering point during the Habsburg period. It was the site of many key political and cultural events during the reign of the Habsburgs, marking it as a place of royal influence and civic identity.

The heart of royal Madrid during the Habsburg era, Plaza Mayor was a site of grand celebrations, royal proclamations, and public events. Under Philip III, the square was reimagined and became the focal point of Madrid’s daily life, reflecting the grandeur of the Habsburg monarchy.

A key part of Madrid’s medieval and Habsburg history, Plaza de la Villa has long been a hub for political power. It is home to the Palacio de los Lujanes, where royal dignitaries often stayed, and the Torreón de los Lodazales, which witnessed the city’s transformation under the Habsburgs.

This historic street links Plaza Mayor to the Royal Palace and was the route for many important Habsburg processions and royal ceremonies. During the reign of the Habsburgs, it was a symbol of Madrid’s royal authority and social structure.

(Exterior) The Royal Palace stands as a testament to the power and legacy of the Habsburgs. Originally constructed in the 16th century, it was expanded by the Habsburgs into the grand residence we see today. The royal court of Philip II, Philip IV, and their successors left a lasting architectural mark on this monumental building.

This elegant square, located in front of the Royal Palace, was part of the Habsburg project to enhance Madrid’s royal and cultural landscape. Its statues of Spanish kings, along with the gardens and architecture, honor the Habsburg monarchy’s vision for a majestic capital.