Madrid Sights
- Overview
- Itineraries
- Sights
- Restaurants
- Hotels
- Entertainment
- Shopping
- Activities
- Travel Tips
- Features
- Fodor's Choice
- Deals
- Spanish Phrases
- Guidebooks
Plaza del 2 de Mayo
Plaza del 2 de Mayo Review
On this unassuming square stood the Monteleón Artillery barracks, where some brave Spanish soldiers and citizens fought Napoléon's invading troops on May 2, 1808. The arch that now stands in the middle of the plaza was once at the entrance of the old barracks, and the sculpture under the arch represents captains Daoiz and Velarde. All the surrounding streets carry the names of that day's heroes. The plaza, now filled with spring and summer terraces, makes a good place to stop for a drink. One of the most popular cafés, Pepe Botella, carries the demeaning nickname the people of Madrid gave to Joseph Bonaparte, Napoléon's brother, who ruled Spain from 1808 to 1813: Botella ("bottle" in English) is a reference to his falsely alleged fondness for drink.
- Address: Pl. del 2 de Mayo, Malasaña, Madrid, 28004 | Map It
- Metro: Noviciado, Tribunal.
- Location: Chueca and Malasaña
Contact Information
Travel Deals in Madrid
- Europe & Iceland from Seattle (R/T, incl. Tax) Icelandair
- 6-Nt. Barcelona w/Air & Tax go-today
- 5-Night Mediterranean Cruise w/Free Hotel Stay Priceline.com
- Europe & Iceland from NYC (R/T, incl. Tax) — $595-$915 Icelandair
· Forums Trip Reports
-
Hi all,
First of all, a big thank you to all of the help and info I received from this forum. Read more -
Read about my trip to Barcelona
http://www.cafeinks.com/archives/1219/barcelona-gaudi-gaudi-everywhere Read more
·Spain Forum
-
My wife and I are veteran travelers and we normally spend 2 months vacationing in Europe every year – usually 2-3 trips (June/July and Sept/Oct). Read more
· Travel Blog
-
Travel Tip of the Day
In Madrid, the Art Walk pass allows you to visit the Prado, the Reina Sofía, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Read more
-
Trip Ideas & Itineraries
Admittedly, Europe's "Big 3" are hard to beat. Read more
-
Practical Travel Tips
These days, most people are watching their wallets, but a trip to Europe is just a seat sale or mileage... Read more