This is a watercolor of la Plaza de la Paja. (The Plaza of Straw). The name, Plaza of Straw, comes from the 15th Century, a time when straw was sold at the Plaza.

La Plaza de la Paja is located in an area known as Madrid de los Austrias, in the historic center, within the neighborhood of La Latina. It was an important market in the 13th and 14th Century. Nowadays, it is a great place to have a bite to eat or to just hang out.

Overlooking the Plaza, is Sacramento Church. Since 1980, it is the Military Cathedral of Spain known as Catedral de las Fuerzas Armadas.

These 19th Century constructions are either painted or covered with exposed brick. The narrow wrought iron balconies accentuate the buildings in this neighborhood so beautifully.

The antique gas street lamps that once lit the neighborhood with soft glowing lights are so picturesque.

Can you see a door on the back wall? This jewel is one of Madrid’s secrets.

Through this door, are the Gardens of the Prince of Anglona, one of the few examples of the noble gardens from the 18th Century of Madrid. If you are ever in Madrid, do not miss this hidden garden.

It was an overcast grey day, and the tree branches were still nude. Even so, anyday in Madrid is a good day to paint.

Here is the finished watercolor in the light of day, shown against the brick color so typical in many parts of Madrid.

Thank you for reading this little story about Madrid de los Austrias.