Built by Juan Gómez de Mora under Philip III (1619), this square, formerly used for autos-da-fé, bullfights, theatre performances etc, is the heart of Habsburg Madrid. In the late 18C, Juan de Villanueva was responsible for its present appearance: a four-sided square surrounded by covered arcades where a stamp and coin market is held on Sunday mornings under the gaze of Philip III on horseback at the centre of the square. The shops around the square have retained their typical appearance.