Plaza Mayor de San Carlos del Valle

Plaza Mayor de San Carlos del Valle is a rectangular square with wooden arcades supported by stone columns, featuring white-painted masonry throughout. The surrounding buildings rise in multiple stories with traditional construction methods characteristic of the La Mancha region.

The square was built between 1713 and 1729 as a planned ensemble featuring Tuscan stone columns and traditional wooden ceiling methods. This construction period established the architectural character that defines the regional style.

The square remains the social heart of the town, where residents gather under the arcades for daily activities and local commerce. The wooden galleries create gathering spaces that have defined community life for generations.

The square is accessible through multiple entry points connecting to smaller plazas and surrounding streets. The covered arcades along the sides provide year-round protection from rain and sun.

The square features varying building heights that shift between two and three stories, creating different spatial experiences as you move around. This irregular pattern developed gradually through successive construction phases, giving the space an organic character.