Plaza del Dos de Mayo, Madrid

Plaza del Dos de Mayo is an urban square, and its monumental arch gives the space a clear historical focus. The arch is dedicated to Luis Daoíz and Pedro Velarde, soldiers who died fighting French forces on 2 May 1808; their defense took place at the Monteleón Artillery barracks, on this site. Look at the marble sculpture beneath the arch: Antonio Solá Llansas carved it in 1830, portraying those heroes.

The work has lost its sword, and that missing detail has often been replaced by beer cans or bottles. The square commemorates the uprising of 2 May 1808, the event that opened Spain’s War of Independence. Its present gardened layout was inaugurated on 1 May 1869, after the convent, the Monteleón palace remains, and additional housing were demolished to make room for it. In recent times, the plaza has also become a favored place for casual alcohol consumption.