Plaza de Oriente

What to expect

Plaza de Oriente was laid out in the 1840s by Narciso Pascual y Colomer, on land cleared of medieval houses after a plan first promoted under Joseph Bonaparte. It sits between the east front of the Royal Palace and the Teatro Real, and it feels more like a formal garden than a public square.

Around the central bronze monument to Philip IV by Pietro Tacca you will find clipped hedges, flower beds, trees and benches. Along the paths stand statues of medieval Spanish kings, 44 in all, originally intended for the palace's roofline. It is a calm open-air stop, free to walk around, and a good place to sit for ten or fifteen minutes between sights.

Don't miss

• Bronze monument to Philip IV
• Statues of medieval Spanish kings
• Garden beds and clipped hedges
• Teatro Real façade
• Royal Palace east front

Tips for your visit

• Use it as a resting stop between the Royal Palace and the old town.
• Visit in the morning or evening for softer light on the palace façade.
• Cafés along the edge are pleasant but pricier than those in the side streets.
• Walk on to Almudena Cathedral or Plaza Mayor, both a few minutes away.