XIII Century

• The foundings of Plaza Mayor

In the XIII century, the zone of La Plaza de Paja and Costanilla de San Andrés was transformed into being the center of daily life. It was the marketplace until Juan II ordered the construction of la Plaza de Arraval, which is the present Plaza Mayor. Since this century, a suburb has been developing on the urban outskirts that in the days of Enrique IV reached the size of duplicating the area of the city.

• El Pardo: Royal Residence

This great expansion forced the raising of a new wall that extended to include these districts. In the middle of XIV century the structure of the municipal government changed so that a number of positions fell to regents of royal designation. Enrique III constructed a residence in El Pardo, making frequent royal stays in the city. The village of Madrid was spoiled by Enrique IV, the catholic King, and Carlos V who felt a great pride for the village, mandating some arrangements that prosperously favored the development of the town.