This beautiful public square at the heart of Salamanca is considered one of the grandest plazas in Spain. The square is lined with arcaded three-story buildings in uniform architectural style.
The buildings were begun in 1729 based on the designs of Alberto de Churriguera and completed in 1755. Among the monumental buildings on this square are the Pabellón Real (Royal Pavilion) by Alberto de Churriguera and the Churriguera-style Ayuntamiento (Town Hall) by Andrés García de Quiñones.
Historically, this spacious square of Plaza Mayor has served as a setting for ceremonial occasions as well as bullfights until the 19th century. Many cafés and restaurants are found under the arcades which makes the square an especially lively scene in the evenings.
For visitors looking for something pleasant to do at night in Salamanca, this is the place to come. At the southwest corner of the Plaza Mayor, the Calle del Prior leads to the Palacio de Monterrey, a splendid Renaissance palace built around 1540.
