Plaza de la Villa (Town Hall Square), Madrid

If you're seeking tranquility amidst the bustling streets of Madrid, the ideal destination is the Town Hall Square, situated just off Calle Mayor and not far from the Town Square ("Plaza Mayor"). This charming medieval square, one of the city's best-preserved historical monuments, is encircled by beautiful buildings, each with its own unique story, showcasing the architectural evolution of Spain over three centuries. One notable structure is the old Town Hall, known as "Casa de la Villa", an emblem of Habsburg Madrid. Finished in 1696, it is renowned for its elegant stained glass windows and frescoes by Antonio Palomino. Connected by an archway is the Cisneros House ("Casa de Cisneros"), an early Spanish Renaissance palace built in 1537 that boasts a rare and intricate Plateresque facade and houses an exceptional collection of fine tapestries.

Adjacent to the Town Hall, you'll find the Lujanes House and Tower, reputedly the oldest buildings in the city. The tower dates back to the early 15th century and is steeped in history. Legend has it that King Charles I imprisoned King Francis I of France here following the Battle of Pavia in 1525. The imprisonment was a consequence of the French king's refusal to show respect and bow his head to his captor. Consequently, King Charles ordered the tower's entrance to be lowered, compelling Francis to bow his head every time he entered or exited the building. This gave the impression that the French monarch was indeed bowing to the Spanish king.

At the center of the square, you'll encounter a statue of Álvaro de Bazán, the Spanish admiral who remarkably never suffered a single defeat during his illustrious 50-year-long career. The statue was inaugurated in 1891 to commemorate the three-hundredth anniversary of the Admiral's passing.