Plaza Mayor (Madrid)

Inaugurated in 1620, is a stunning square renowned for its nine iconic arched entrances, 377 charming balconies, and vibrant history as a former marketplace, bullring, and site for Inquisition trials. One of those 377 balconies is known as Balcón de la Marizápalos referring to the actress María Inés Calderón (known as "La Calderona" or "Marizápalos"), the official mistress of King Felipe IV. Having been asked to give up theater and banned from the royal balcony by the Queen, the King had a separate balcony built specially for his mistress.