Plaza de Oriente (Oriente Square), Madrid
While you're in Madrid exploring the Royal Palace, don't miss the opportunity to stroll through the palace's eastern side. This picturesque square, designed by Pascual y Colomar in 1844, holds historical significance as an important gathering place for state occasions. Over the years, it has witnessed the presence of kings, queens, and even dictators who made public appearances on the palace balcony facing it. With a rectangular shape and one long side gently curved outward, the space exudes a charming and inviting atmosphere.
Within the square, you'll discover a series of beautifully tended small gardens, separated by gravel walkways that lead to a central stone basin fountain adorned with an equestrian statue of Philip IV as its centerpiece. Crafted in bronze by Pietro Tacca in 1843, the statue is notable for its unique balance, achieved by making the back end of the horse heavy and the front part light, allowing it to stand on its hind legs without toppling over when fixed to its stone base.
Surrounding the above is a collection of rather disproportional limestone statues depicting Spanish monarchs, including five Visigoth kings and fifteen Christian kings. Originally intended for the palace roof, these statues were sculpted to appear tall when viewed from the ground. However, they proved too heavy for the roof, leading to their placement around the square.
Why You Should Visit:
Beautifully decorated sculpture garden with great views of the Sabatini Garden and the Royal Palace. It's a peaceful oasis with plenty of spots to relax, including the option to enjoy a coffee or a meal at one of the charming cafes. Plus, you'll appreciate the tranquility, as it's a car-free zone. In the southeastern corner of the plaza, you will find the Café de Oriente, offering outdoor seating where you can relax and take in the view.
Within the square, you'll discover a series of beautifully tended small gardens, separated by gravel walkways that lead to a central stone basin fountain adorned with an equestrian statue of Philip IV as its centerpiece. Crafted in bronze by Pietro Tacca in 1843, the statue is notable for its unique balance, achieved by making the back end of the horse heavy and the front part light, allowing it to stand on its hind legs without toppling over when fixed to its stone base.
Surrounding the above is a collection of rather disproportional limestone statues depicting Spanish monarchs, including five Visigoth kings and fifteen Christian kings. Originally intended for the palace roof, these statues were sculpted to appear tall when viewed from the ground. However, they proved too heavy for the roof, leading to their placement around the square.
Why You Should Visit:
Beautifully decorated sculpture garden with great views of the Sabatini Garden and the Royal Palace. It's a peaceful oasis with plenty of spots to relax, including the option to enjoy a coffee or a meal at one of the charming cafes. Plus, you'll appreciate the tranquility, as it's a car-free zone. In the southeastern corner of the plaza, you will find the Café de Oriente, offering outdoor seating where you can relax and take in the view.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Madrid. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Plaza de Oriente (Oriente Square) on Map
Sight Name: Plaza de Oriente (Oriente Square)
Sight Location: Madrid, Spain (See walking tours in Madrid)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Madrid, Spain (See walking tours in Madrid)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Madrid, Spain
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Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
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Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
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Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
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Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
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Although the site of modern-day Madrid has been occupied since prehistoric times, the first historical document about an established settlement here... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
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Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
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Despite being regarded as one of the fathers of modern literature, very little is known about Cervantes' early life. Born in 1547, he had spent some of his young years in... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Despite being regarded as one of the fathers of modern literature, very little is known about Cervantes' early life. Born in 1547, he had spent some of his young years in... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Madrid Food Tour
Spain is internationally reputed as a major gastronomic power and its capital city Madrid attests to this claim, being home to vibrant food markets and multiple establishments serving traditional Spanish food in a soul-warming atmosphere.
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
One of the iconic food destinations is Plaza Mayor, a bustling town square where you can savor traditional Spanish dishes. The square is home to numerous... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
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