Plaza de la Gavidia

As is the case with many other squares, the Plaza de la Gavidia was designed by the architect Balbino Marrón (19th century). 

This square has strong links with the military history of the city and Spain. The whole square revolves around a monument to Captain Luis Daoíz who was born here and played a decisive role in the War of Independence. He also played a leading role in the insurrection against the French in Madrid on 2 May 1808.

The monument consists of a bronze sculpture by Antonio Susillo from Seville. It represents battle scenes against the French army and the death of Daóiz himself. Both the reliefs and the railings around the monument were made in the Royal Artillery Factory in Seville.

Orange, plane and other trees decorate this square that has a number of cast-iron benches where you can rest.

It used to house the Captaincy General of the Second Military Region and on the edge of the Plaza de la Gavidia you will find the old 16th-centry church of San Hermenegildo, that was once the headquarters of the Andalusian Parliament, and the old National Police station.