A square with history
Plaza del Dos de Mayo (May 2nd Square) is one of the most iconic and famous in Madrid. It is the heart of the Malasaña neighborhood. This square has its own history: it was the scene of the heroic resistance of the people of Madrid against the French invasion, on May 2nd (giving the name to the square), 1808.
Apart from its history, this square is famous for the nightlife and summer terraces. It is also a very common location for having a "botellón" (young people's tradition of buying their own (alcoholic) drinks and hanging out with friends in a public place) during the weekend. In the 80s it was the main spot of the "movida madrileña", and an endless list of all types of artists would go there, above all musicians, photographers and writers.
In the center of the square, the entrance arch of the Monteleón park remains as a commemorating monument of that day. Next to it, there is the monument built by Antonio Solá in 1822 representing the first heroes of the Independence War as it was called: the officials Daoz and Velarde. The statue was officially put there in 1869.
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