Arco de Cofreros, Stone arch entrance at Plaza Mayor, Madrid, Spain
The Arco de Cofreros is one of nine gateways into Plaza Mayor, displaying Spanish Baroque architectural features with sturdy stone construction. It serves as a passage between the sloping Toledo Street and the level plaza surface.
The gateway was built in the late 1500s and underwent changes by architect Juan Gómez de Mora in the 1600s. A later restoration by Juan de Villanueva followed after 1790.
The name comes from the cofrero guilds, craftsmen who made wooden chests and trunks near this spot during medieval times. These workers shaped the daily commerce and character of this area for centuries.
The arch provides access from Toledo Street, which has a noticeable slope. The height difference at the threshold is worth noting when entering, and the gateway serves as a helpful landmark for orienting yourself on the plaza.
Coin collectors and street artists have long gathered at the base of the arch to buy, sell, and create. The spot has become an informal hub for creative activity and small commerce.
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