Plaza de Olavide, Square in Trafalgar, Madrid, Spain

Plaza de Olavide is an octagonal square in the Trafalgar neighborhood of Madrid. It has a central fountain, a ring of trees and benches, and paths that lead to the surrounding streets with shops and cafes.

The square became known as Plaza de Olavide in 1860, when it was still surrounded by the old slum of Chamberí. A large octagonal market designed by Francisco Javier Ferrero stood here from the 1930s until it was demolished in 1974, and the square reopened in 1977.

The square is used by neighbors for daily meetings, card games at the picnic tables, and ping-pong matches near the fountain. The outer benches face the street, so sitting there feels like watching the neighborhood go by.

The space is mostly reserved for walking, with limited car access on the edges. It is best visited during morning or late afternoon when the light is softer and the seats are easier to find.

Many visitors do not notice that the paving underfoot lets rainwater soak into the ground, which is why puddles rarely form after a storm. The five water fountains are also recent replacements, though the central fountain keeps an older, traditional look.