Plaza de Santa Ana is a public square located in the central district of Palacio, in Madrid, Spain. The square lies between the Gran Vía, Calle de la Palma, and Calle del Príncipe, forming part of a historic urban area that has been associated with cultural and theatrical activities since the 19th century.
Geography and layout
The square occupies an irregular, roughly rectangular shape and is paved with stone. It is surrounded by a mix of residential buildings, hotels, cafés, and theatres, notably the Teatro Español and the Teatro Lope de Vega. The area is pedestrianized, with limited vehicular access, and includes seating, street lighting, and a central green space.
Historical background
The name “Santa Ana” derives from the former Convent of Santa Ana, which existed on the site before its demolition in the early 19th century. Following the secularization reforms of the Spanish government, the convent was cleared, and the open space was reorganized as a public plaza. The square gained prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a hub for Madrid’s literary and theatrical circles.
Monuments and features
A notable feature of the plaza is the bronze statue of the playwright Lope de Vega, installed in 1902 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of his birth. The statue was created by the sculptor Mariano Benlliure. The square also includes several ornamental lamps and a small fountain that were added during renovations in the 1990s.
Cultural significance
Plaza de Santa Ana is recognized as a social gathering place for locals and tourists, especially in the evenings when nearby cafés and restaurants become active. The square’s proximity to major theatres contributes to its reputation as part of Madrid’s “Golden Triangle of Theatre,” alongside nearby squares such as Plaza de Callao and Plaza de Tirso de Mora.
Transport
The plaza is served by multiple public‑transport options, including the Gran Vía metro station (Lines 1 and 5) and several bus lines that stop along Gran Vía and surrounding streets.
Renovations
The most recent major refurbishment of the square was completed in 2007, aiming to improve pedestrian accessibility, update lighting, and restore historic elements of the surrounding architecture. The renovation was overseen by the Madrid City Council’s Department of Urban Planning.