Plaza de Oriente stands in Madrid’s historic quarter surrounded by an acclaimed theater and a royal palace. Spend time admiring the square’s sculpture collection, strolling its walkways and relaxing in its ornamental gardens. King Joseph of Spain, the brother of Napoleon Bonaparte, made plans for Plaza de Oriente in the early 1800s and in doing so demolished several medieval homes. Today the plaza stands as a reminder of the opulence of Spanish imperialism.
A wide promenade cuts through the heart of the square, at the center of which an equestrian statue of King Philip IV rises above a pond. Upon the advice of Galileo Galilei, the sculptor designed the horse with hollow front legs in order for it to maintain a reared stance. Gardens with topiary trees, geometrical patterns and fountains run either side of the promenade. Look for statues of 20 Spanish monarchs, which were originally made for the Royal Palace.
Additional gardens line the northern and southern edges of the plaza and their shaded lawns provide respite from the hot summer sunshine. Sit on a bench and watch the world go by as children have fun at the playground in Jardins de Lepanto. In the Jardines del Cabo Noval, the Monument of Cabo Noval pays homage to a patriotic Spanish soldier.
Attend ballet, classical music and opera performances at Teatro Real. If you can’t make it for a show then learn about its history, watch rehearsals and visit dressing rooms and technical areas on a guided tour. Restaurants with outdoor seating areas outside the theater offer plaza views and serve up delicious tapas.
Madrid’s ostentatious and 3,418-room Royal Palace runs along the plaza’s western side. Once the official residence of Spain’s royal family, it is now a venue for official occasions. Appreciate its luxuriousness on a guided tour of 50 rooms, some adorned with paintings by Francisco Goya.
Reach Plaza de Oriente by taking the metro to the Ópera station. From Plaza Mayor it’s just a 10-minute walk. Information about tours and events at the Royal Palace and Teatro Real is available on the official websites of the attractions.
