Issue date: 19 Apr, 2018
Also see ''Artist proof 4th Centenary of the Plaza Mayor in Madrid''
''Special Product Folder for Plaza Mayor Fair''
The first stone was laid down in the Plaza Mayor on 2 December 1617 outside the city walls, to host a food market in the city of Madrid on the occasion of the arrival of Philip III. For Correos, the Plaza Mayor in Madrid is even more important. The philately market, known as the Coins and Stamps Market, has been held there since approximately 1927, gathering avid collectors of philately and numismatics every Sunday.
Ever since, the Plaza Mayor has had a special relationship with stamps. Around the square and under the arches, in addition to bars and restaurants, there were many stamp and coin shops, many of which remain today.
One of the most significant signs of this relationship is the National Stamp Fair, which this year will also celebrate its 50th anniversary from 19 to 22 April 2018.
The Plaza Mayor is one of the most emblematic spots in Madrid, a must for tourists who come to the city. It is also the setting for many important shows and events.
Many of the locals also associate the square with the run-up to Christmas, as every winter it turns into a magical place filled with lights and Christmas decorations.
As Alexandre Dumas said, the Plaza Mayor was the theatre with the most beautiful vault in the world: the Madrid sky.
On the occasion of its 4th centenary, for all these reasons and many more, Correos is issuing a mini sheet featuring an image of the façade of the Plaza, along with that of the Casa de la Panadería, and with reproductions of stamps in each of its windows.
The commemorative stamp is a chalcography that depicts the early 17th century statue of Philip III in the centre of the Plaza. It has been in the Plaza Mayor in Madrid since 1848, when Queen Isabella II ordered for it to be transferred from the Casa de Campo.
The stamp appears just above the column, also illustrated on the mini sheet.
Rate A - €0.75. For a “standard” letter or postcard within Spain, up to 20 g.
Rate A2 - €0.85. For a “standard” letter or postcard within Spain, between 20 g and 50 g.
Rate B - €1.65. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to Europe (including Greenland), up to 20 g.
Rate C - €1.75. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to the rest of the world (except USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand), up to 20 g.
Rate D - €2.10. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, up to 20 g.