plaza de las Cortes

Welcome to the Plaza de las Cortes, a space that serves as the political and legislative epicenter of the Spanish nation. You are standing before the Palacio de las Cortes, the seat of the Congress of Deputies, where the laws of…

The defining feature of the square is undoubtedly the Palace of the Congress of Deputies. Completed in the mid-nineteenth century, this Renaissance-style building was designed by architects Narciso Pascual and Colomer. …

Let us take a closer look at the bronze lions, for they are perhaps the most photographed residents of the Plaza de las Cortes. Cast by Ponciano Ponzano, these impressive sculptures are more than mere decorations; they are…

It is a scholarly curiosity that one of the most important secular buildings in Spain stands on ground that was sacred for centuries. Before the current palace was built, this site was occupied by the Church of the Espíritu Santo. …

Standing in the center of the square is the monument to Miguel de Cervantes, the greatest figure in Spanish literature. This bronze statue, erected in 1835, was the first monument in Madrid dedicated to a non-religious and…

The Plaza de las Cortes is framed by several other buildings of immense historical and architectural importance. Directly across from the Congress stands the Palace of Villahermosa, which today houses the Thyssen-Bornemisza…

Today, the Plaza de las Cortes is more than a historical monument; it is the most active site of Spanish civic life. Because it is the seat of the legislature, it is frequently the site of political demonstrations, media…

As we conclude our exploration of the Plaza de las Cortes, take a moment to look back at the grand neoclassical portico and the bronze lions that have seen so much of Spain's modern history. This square is a remarkable testament…