Consider this: you are standing at the Final calle Mayor in Madrid. This is more than just a street. It is a living, breathing testament to Madrid’s rich history.
Calle Mayor is one of Madrid’s oldest and most iconic streets. Documents show its existence dates back to the early days of Madrid. Calle Mayor was the most important street in Madrid during the time of the Austrians. That’s where the name comes from. Calle Mayor means High Street.
Originally, the Calle Mayor ended at the Puerta del Sol. This made it a bustling hub of activity. Today, Calle Mayor stretches from Puerta del Sol to Cuesta de la Vega. It passes by Madrid’s Almudena Cathedral.
Over its six centuries, Calle Mayor has had different names for different sections. Once, it was a triumphal route for Catholic Monarchs. Later, it became a fashionable walk for the court. Guilds of jewelers, clothiers and silkers congregated here. They made it a vital commercial route.
Many unique buildings line the Calle Mayor. Casa Cordero at number 1 housed Madrid’s first telephone exchange. At number 10, El Riojano pastry shop has maintained its original decor since 1855. The Colonial Company building at number 16 showcases modernist style. Its facade displays ceramics that allude to cocoa and coffee.
Félix Lope de Vega y Carpio was born at number 46. A plaque commemorates the old Puerta de Guadalajara at number 49. Farmacia de la Reina Madre at number 59 dates back to 1598. It likely took its name from Isabel Farnesio.
Pedro Calderón de la Barca lived and died at number 61. The Palace of Cañete is at number 69. The Palace of Uceda is at number 79. The Abrantes Palace at number 86 houses the Institute of Italian Culture. Casa Ciriaco stands at number 84.
At the end of Calle Mayor, a monument honors the victims of the 1906 attack on King Alfonso XIII. The Iglesia del Sacramento stands behind the monument. The Palace of the Dukes of Uceda houses the Council of State. The Armenian Embassy is at number 81. The Municipal Economic-Administrative Court is at number 83.
Nearby, Emir Mohamed I Park preserves a piece of Madrid’s Muslim wall. After the park, the Cuesta de la Vega offers gardens and relaxing views.
Calle Mayor has witnessed royal processions and tragic events. It has been home to literary giants and commercial enterprises. Taking a walk along Calle Mayor is to step back in time. It is a journey through Madrid’s vibrant and ever-evolving story. Remember to keep an eye out for the narrow building where Pedro Calderón de la Barca lived. Its facade is only 4 meters long. This street is a must-see. It is filled with architecture, history and stories waiting to be discovered.