In the very heart of Madrid, the long-awaited renovation of Plaza de Jacinto Benavente is set to begin. This location, which many residents have called the most uncomfortable and chaotic spot downtown, is about to be transformed beyond recognition. City authorities have approved a project that promises to turn this area into a modern, comfortable pedestrian space.
The square has long been notorious for its clutter: a parking lot, cafés with terraces, bus stops, statues, bike rentals, and seasonal markets have all crowded the space. This created a sense of disorder and made it hard to move around freely. Pedestrians, in particular, have struggled, forced to weave between cars just to reach the city center or the famed Barrio de las Letras.
A new vision
Renovations will begin in the coming months and are expected to be completed by spring 2027. The overhaul will cover a total area of 10,000 square meters. Beyond the square itself, nearby streets—including Carretas, de la Bolsa, Atocha, Concepción Jerónima, and Doctor Cortezo—will also see changes. The city has allocated €9.5 million for the project.
The main goal is to expand the pedestrian area and restrict car traffic. After the renovation, only public transport and select authorized vehicles will be allowed to cross the square—and only in the direction of de la Cruz street.
One of the main innovations will be the creation of a green slope connecting the street level to the first underground floor of the parking garage. This area will feature a garden with trees and shrubs, along with a state-of-the-art sustainable mobility center. For residents and visitors, a staircase with a bike lane and an elevator will be added for convenience.
Parking and transportation
The project calls for a complete overhaul of the entrances and exits to the underground parking. From now on, entry will be only from Doctor Cortezo, while exit will be via Concepción Jerónima. Access from Atocha street will be closed. The two remaining ramps will also be renovated, and the entire parking structure will undergo a major refurbishment, which has long been overdue.
Car traffic will remain on Atocha, Concepción Jerónima, and Doctor Cortezo streets, but raised curbs will be installed to ensure pedestrian safety. The bus stop currently located within the square will be moved to a new location.
A space for people
Once the work is finished, the square will offer more than 3,100 square meters fully dedicated to pedestrians and green areas. A large pergola with a jagged roof will be installed in the center, providing shade and featuring a misting system to cool the air during the hot months.
This design addresses two issues at once: it will improve the microclimate—since the underground parking makes it impossible to plant trees in the center—and give the square a distinctive look. The municipality emphasizes that the new elements will make the space more harmonious and comfortable for everyone.
Historical context
The project has already been approved by the local heritage commission. This is the final stage of an ambitious program to renovate central squares in Madrid. Renovations have previously been completed at Matute Square (Matute) and its surroundings, as well as at Tirso de Molina Square (Tirso de Molina), where work is nearing completion.
Architects and urban planners have long called for a reimagining of Jacinto Benavente Square. In their view, this space needed to be put in order, with a focus on pedestrian interests. They often cited the successful reorganization of Puerta del Sol (Puerta del Sol) as an example, where, after renovation, all elements were logically integrated into the space.
The residents’ voices
Local residents had been demanding changes for years. According to them, the square was not only unattractive, but also inconvenient: café terraces took up the roadway, trees were dying, and pedestrian crossings were too small and fragmented. The Christmas market, in particular, drew criticism for turning the center of the square into a maze.
Now locals hope that after the renovation, the square will finally become truly comfortable and appealing—both for residents and tourists.
