Spain’s most beautiful town square (according to travel experts): it's not in Madrid
No town worth its salt can forgo a town square, that expression of public space par excellence. Whether large, small, ornate or simple, town squares are the true stage upon which daily life takes place.
Public squares can range from humble settings accompanied by a church to vast esplanades surrounded by eye-catching architecture. Each, however, possesses a distinctive allure that welcomes any visitor.
The travel community’s verdict
In order to discover Spain’s most appealing town square, we consult those inquiring minds who routinely explore every corner of Spain and are willing to share their preferences.
Voters’ responses showcase Spain’s greatest public squares, those urban spaces steeped in history and whose unparalleled robustness continue to dazzle. Whilst it may be impossible to enumerate all of Spain’s beautiful town squares, it is worthwhile taking a look at our readers’ top choices.
Spain’s most prominent town squares
The candidates for Spain’s most stunning town square all share a sense of monumental grandeur, according to our community. Likewise, the top five ranking kicks off with the exceptional Plaza Mayor of Madrid, a metropolitan expanse imparting timeless elegance in the heart of Spain’s capital.
The fourth-highest ranked public square is the striking Obradoiro Square in Santiago de Compostela. The presence of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela and the countless pilgrims roaming its expanse, many of whom walk hundreds of kilometres to reach, make this legendary square an awe-inspiring sight.
Third place in the ranking belongs to the magnificent Plaza del Pilar in Zaragoza. Not only is it western Europe’s largest pedestrian town square, it also boasts the Aragonese capital’s two cathedrals, the formidable Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Pilar and the Cathedral of the Savior.
The runner-up in the ranking possesses a little piece from every part of Spain, as one reader commented. This can only be Seville’s aptly named Plaza de España, located next to María Luisa Park. The square is one of Seville’s signature landmarks, a place to marvel at the interplay of light, water and architecture.
The undisputed winner for Spain’s most breathtaking town square
España Fascinante’s readers clearly mark out Salamanca’s Plaza Mayor as Spain’s most beautiful town square. Readers commented on the square’s extraordinary golden-coloured stonework, especially at sunset, as well as the majestic harmony of its architecture.
Beyond its spectacular Baroque allure, this porticoed town square is the heart of a bustling city where traditional musicians, known as Tunos, perform for wandering crowds made up of local residents, international university students, and astonished tourists. Undoubtedly one of Salamanca’s wonders, this Plaza Mayor is indeed one of Spain’s iconic landmarks.
You can also read this article in Spanish.
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