Plaza de España

Welcome to the heart of Merida: Plaza de España. This square was designed during the reign of the Catholic Monarchs, Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon. Their marriage was more than just a royal union, it laid the foundation for modern Spain. By joining the Crowns of Castile and Aragon, they created a united Spanish kingdom. They carried out the Reconquista by taking back the Kingdom of Granada, expelling the Jews, launching the fearsome Inquisition, and funding Christopher Columbus’s famous voyage that would lead to the European discovery of the Americas. So yes, they were pretty busy! As part of their efforts to organise the country, they established central squares in many cities. Plaza de España was originally a marketplace, featuring a water source for locals. But it was also used for all kinds of public events, plays, bullfights, executions, festivals, religious processions, you name it. It was even the official spot for welcoming royalty. The buildings surrounding the square represent different powers. There’s the State, with the town hall clearly marked by its clock tower and flags; the Church, with the cathedral; and economic power, symbolised by the Palacio de China, once a grand department store owned by a wealthy textile merchant. The large building across the square once belonged to the noble Vera-Mendoza family, and has now been turned into a luxury hotel.