Description of the attraction
Plaza de la Villa is located in the historic center of Madrid next to Calle Mayor, close to the Royal Palace.
This small, cozy square, more reminiscent of a small courtyard, has, nevertheless, great cultural and historical value, because the facades of three artistic and historical buildings that are significant from an artistic and historical point of view are facing this square. The first of them - the house-tower “de los Lujanes” is an example of Spanish architecture of the 15th century. The facade of the house is decorated with a magnificent Gothic portal and heraldic coats of arms. The tower, made of brick and stone, is the most ancient part of this structure. It is believed that it was in this tower that the French king Francis I was imprisoned during the war between Spain and France in the 16th century. Today this beautiful building is occupied by the Royal Academy of Sciences.
Also on the square is the Casa de Cisneros, an example of a plateresque building. This house was built in 1537 and was intended for the nephew of Cardinal Cisneros. The building's façade, facing the Plaza de la Villa, was renovated at the beginning of the 20th century. The main façade of the building, facing Sacramento Street, has retained its magnificent architectural and decorative elements.
On the right side of the square is the Casa de la Villa, the construction of which began in the middle of the 17th century and lasted for about 52 years. The Baroque building served as a prison for many years, after which it became the seat of the City Council. Of particular interest are the interior premises of the house - the Portrait Room, the Goya Hall, the meeting room, the Glass Courtyard and others.
