Plaza Mayor, Madrid
The Plaza Mayor was built during Phillip III's reign (1598-1621) and is a central plaza in the city of Madrid.
Throughout its long history the Plaza Mayor has been - and still is - a market square as well as previously the scene of bullfights, soccer games, and - during the Spanish Inquisition - "autos de fe" aka "acts of faith" - a ritual of public proclamation and penance of heretics - and the scene of public executions of those unfortunate souls condemned to death.
I remember Antonio describing some of the execution techniques witnessed in this square. Gruesome to say the least! See the expressions on our faces. Is it my imagination or do the women seem a bit more horrified than the men? Their faces seem to be expressing a bit of ghoulish interest. What do you think?
I shall also remember the incredible crowds in the Plaza. It was a public holiday weekend in Spain and the square was packed (understatement). Although I had to muscle my way through the crowds, I was rewarded and delighted by the exquisite Nativity scenes set up at its centre.
Alas, the famous, wonderful, decorative facade of one side of the square was under restoration. Such is life BUT Europe does it so well, draping the facade with a print of what lies underneath.
Throughout its long history the Plaza Mayor has been - and still is - a market square as well as previously the scene of bullfights, soccer games, and - during the Spanish Inquisition - "autos de fe" aka "acts of faith" - a ritual of public proclamation and penance of heretics - and the scene of public executions of those unfortunate souls condemned to death.
I remember Antonio describing some of the execution techniques witnessed in this square. Gruesome to say the least! See the expressions on our faces. Is it my imagination or do the women seem a bit more horrified than the men? Their faces seem to be expressing a bit of ghoulish interest. What do you think?
I shall also remember the incredible crowds in the Plaza. It was a public holiday weekend in Spain and the square was packed (understatement). Although I had to muscle my way through the crowds, I was rewarded and delighted by the exquisite Nativity scenes set up at its centre.
Alas, the famous, wonderful, decorative facade of one side of the square was under restoration. Such is life BUT Europe does it so well, draping the facade with a print of what lies underneath.