Plaza del Dos de Mayo, Square in the Malasaña neighborhood, Madrid, Spain
The Plaza Dos de Mayo is an open square in the Malasaña neighborhood of Madrid, in the Universidad district, where several narrow streets converge, including Velarde, San Andrés, Ruiz, Daoiz, and Dos de Mayo. At its center stands the Arco de Monteleón, a marble arch, alongside a sculpture depicting two soldiers.
The square takes its name from the uprising of May 2, 1808, when Madrid's residents rose up against the French army occupying the city. The site was then home to the Parque de Artillería de Monteleón, a military depot that became a key battleground during the revolt.
The Plaza Dos de Mayo sits at the heart of Malasaña, a neighborhood known for its vintage shops, young designers, and pop-rock bars. On weekends, the square hosts craft markets where local artists sell handmade goods, drawing a mix of residents and curious visitors.
The square is a short walk from several metro stations, including Tribunal, Bilbao, San Bernardo, and Noviciado, making it easy to reach without a car. The surrounding streets are narrow and busy with foot traffic, so public transport or bike sharing are the most practical ways to get there.
The Arco de Monteleón is the only surviving part of the old fort that once occupied this site, built in marble by King Fernando VII as a tribute after the uprising. The two officers portrayed in the central sculpture, Daoiz and Velarde, defied direct military orders to join the civilian fighters, which made their story especially memorable.
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