Statue of Ataúlfo

The Statue of Ataúlfo stands among the stone royal figures on Plaza de Oriente in Madrid, right beside the Royal Palace.

Who does the statue represent?

The sculpture depicts Ataúlfo, a Visigothic king who ruled between 410 and 415. He married Galla Placidia, sister of the Roman emperor Honorius, and in exchange for driving out invading barbarian tribes he secured Roman lands in southern Gaul and northeastern Hispania for the Visigoths. That agreement made him the first Visigothic ruler to settle his people on Spanish soil.

The figure belongs to a much larger series of statues of Spanish monarchs, an idea born in the 18th century. The friar and scholar Martín Sarmiento drew up a list of Spain's rulers, for whom stone statues were commissioned to crown the roofline of the Royal Palace. The work was carried out under kings Felipe V and Fernando VI, eventually producing more than a hundred sculptures.

Why is it on the square instead of the palace roof?

When Carlos III came to the throne, royal architect Francisco Sabatini judged that placing so many heavy statues along the palace attic would compromise both its proportions and structural safety. On his recommendation the figures were taken down and stored in palace warehouses for decades.

It was only in the 19th century that a decision was made to place them in public spaces around the city. Some went to Plaza de Oriente in front of the palace, others to Retiro Park, the Army Museum, and towns such as Aranjuez, Toledo, Burgos, Logroño and Vitoria. On Plaza de Oriente, twenty statues were arranged in two rows of ten, mostly Visigothic and early Spanish kings — Ataúlfo among them.

How do you get there?

Plaza de Oriente sits in the very heart of Madrid, between the Royal Palace and the Teatro Real opera house. The easiest way in is by metro to Ópera station (lines 2, 5 and R), just a few minutes' walk from the square. The plaza also lies along most walking routes through the historic centre, connecting to Calle Bailén and the area around the Almudena Cathedral.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

The statue of Ataúlfo is only one piece of a larger scene — while on Plaza de Oriente it's worth taking in the other royal statues, the façade of the Royal Palace, the equestrian monument to Felipe IV, and the Teatro Real itself. The square, laid out as formal gardens with pathways and fountains, is one of the most photographed spots in Madrid.

When should you visit?

The square is open year-round and accessible at any hour, since it's a public outdoor space. Early morning or late afternoon are the most pleasant times, with fewer tourists and better light on the stone carvings. In the evening, the square makes a good starting point for a walk toward the illuminated Royal Palace.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Ataúlfo? A Visigothic king who ruled from 410 to 415, husband of Galla Placidia, and the first Visigothic ruler to settle his people on Spanish territory.

Why aren't the royal statues on the palace roof? Architect Francisco Sabatini considered them too heavy and out of proportion with the building, so Carlos III had them removed from the attic.

Where exactly is the statue of Ataúlfo located? On Plaza de Oriente in Madrid, part of one of the two rows of statues facing the Royal Palace.

Is it free to visit the square? Yes, Plaza de Oriente is an open public space that can be visited free of charge at any time.