Plaza de España, Central square with Cervantes monument at Gran Vía, Madrid, Spain.
Plaza de España is a large public square in Madrid with a central monument surrounded by landscaped areas, rectangular ponds, and granite structures. The space unfolds across a generous area with different zones for walking and stopping to rest.
The square opened in 1911 as a modern public space for the city. The location itself had witnessed important moments during Spain's uprising of 1808 against French forces, adding historical depth to the site.
The central monument honors Miguel de Cervantes through sculptures of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza that visitors encounter here. These literary characters have become part of how locals and travelers experience this public space.
The site is easy to reach through the Metro station at its eastern corner, which connects to multiple lines and provides access to different city areas. The square itself is well-developed with clear pathways and plenty of space to explore and rest.
Olive trees circle the monument, creating a direct link to the La Mancha landscape where Don Quixote's adventures happen in the novel. This planting choice physically connects the urban square to the Spanish countryside of the famous story.
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