Statue of Ramiro I of Asturias, Madrid

The Statue of Ramiro I of Asturias stands on Plaza de Oriente in Madrid, in the Palacio district, right next to the Royal Palace. It is one of a series of stone figures depicting former Spanish monarchs that have lined the surroundings of the royal residence since the mid-18th century.

Who was Ramiro I, and why does he have a monument in Madrid?

Ramiro I ruled the Kingdom of Asturias from 842 to 850, at a time when this small mountain kingdom in the north of the Iberian Peninsula was one of the last strongholds of Christian Spain following the Muslim conquest. His reign is remembered as a period of fighting on two fronts — repelling Viking raids along the coast while holding off forces of the Emirate of Córdoba pressing from the south. Ramiro I is also tied to the legend of the Battle of Clavijo, although historians regard much of the story surrounding that event as later tradition rather than established fact.

The statue was part of a larger commission from the reign of Ferdinand VI, intended to portray a lineage of Spanish rulers stretching from the Visigothic era to the Bourbon dynasty. The figures were originally meant to crown the balustrade atop the Royal Palace. Once it became clear the stone statues were too heavy for the roof structure, King Charles III had them removed and redistributed — some went to Retiro Park, others to various Spanish towns, while a handful remained close to the palace itself, including on Plaza de Oriente.

Who carved the statue, and what does it look like?

The sculptor was Luis Salvador Carmona (1708–1767), one of the leading Spanish Baroque sculptors of his time, known for numerous commissions for the royal court and Madrid's churches. He carved the figure of Ramiro I between 1750 and 1753 from pale white stone, following the visual conventions of the whole series — a monarch shown in full armor or ceremonial dress, in a static, monumental pose meant to underline the continuity of royal authority across the centuries.

What will you see on site?

The statue of Ramiro I is one of many similar royal figures surrounding Plaza de Oriente, widely regarded as one of Madrid's most striking public squares, stretching between the Royal Palace and the Teatro Real opera house. Walking through the square, visitors pass an entire row of these monarch statues set among pathways, flowerbeds, and benches. At the square's center stands the equestrian monument of King Philip IV, around which some of the royal figures — including this one honoring Ramiro I — were originally grouped, though the exact placement of individual statues within the square has shifted over time.

How to get there, and when to visit?

Plaza de Oriente sits in the very heart of Madrid, within walking distance of Puerta del Sol and Almudena Cathedral. The easiest way to arrive is by metro to Ópera station (lines 2, 5, and the Ramal branch), just a few minutes' walk from the square. The site is open year-round and free to visit — it's a public space accessible at any hour. Early morning or late afternoon light works best for photographing the statues, when the square is less crowded and the sun isn't directly overhead.

Combine your visit with the nearby Royal Palace, Teatro Real, and the Sabatini Gardens, all bordering the square directly — together they form one of the most atmospheric corners of old Madrid.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly does the statue of Ramiro I stand? On Plaza de Oriente, in the Palacio district next to the Royal Palace, in central Madrid.

Who sculpted the statue? Luis Salvador Carmona, a Spanish Baroque sculptor, between 1750 and 1753.

Why is the statue in the square rather than on the palace roof, as originally planned? Because the stone figures proved too heavy for the Royal Palace's roof balustrade — King Charles III ordered the entire series removed and relocated elsewhere.

Is there an entry fee? No, the square and its monuments are freely accessible to the public year-round.