This arcaded square is the heart of the Old Madrid, the old town. The square is 129 meters long by 94 meters wide and it is surrounded by arcades and three-storey buildings with a total of 237 balconies overlooking the plaza. It has nine arched accesses, of which the best known is the “Arco de Cuchilleros” (Arch of Cutlers) on the southwest corner of the square. In the center of the north side of the square stands the Casa de la Panaderia (The Baker’s House) and in front of it, on the south side, the Casa de la Carnicería (The Butcher’s House). The arcades are supported by granite pillars.