Intensifying greenery and hydration for the sizzling hot Rastrillo square, recognized as the warmest spot in the entire city of Madrid
Plaza del Rastrillo, labelled as the hottest square in Madrid, is currently undergoing a significant renovation. The city council has allocated a budget of two million euros for the project, which is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026.
The renovation aims to lower the temperature of the square by installing a four-meter-diameter circular ornamental fountain and a water misting system. These urban cooling measures are increasingly used in cities like Madrid to mitigate the urban heat island effect, adding evaporative cooling and aesthetic water features.
In addition to the cooling systems, the renovated Plaza del Rastrillo will feature new resting areas, with benches and trees being added to the square. The surrounding streets, including Espíritu Santo, Tesoro, San Andrés, and Marqués de Santa Ana, are also part of this integrated action.
Public lighting in the area will be improved, and the pavements will be completely renewed. New urban furniture will be installed to enhance the overall appearance and functionality of the renovated square.
Children's playgrounds will be moved and covered by a shading structure to provide protection from the summer heat. Nine other squares are currently being renovated as part of the city council's ongoing commitment to improving public spaces in Madrid. These include Plaza Tirso de Molina, Plaza de Matute in Centro, Plaza de Julián Marías, and Plaza de Dalí.
The city council is taking the residents' concerns into account during the renovation process, ensuring that the improvements made will benefit the community and improve the quality of life in the area. Some of the streets will have "pedestrian priority", improving the overall quality of the entire area.
For the most current updates on public space improvements in Plaza del Rastrillo and other areas, we recommend checking the Madrid city council or local urban planning websites or news outlets. As of now, there is no concrete plan for the renovation of Plaza del Dos de Mayo.
The renovated Plaza del Rastrillo will not only include urban cooling measures to combat the urban heat island effect, but also new resting areas featuring benches and trees. This holistic approach to improvement includes a focus on sustainable living, as the surrounding streets will prioritize pedestrians and the children's playgrounds will be covered to provide protection from the summer heat. Additionally, the city council's ongoing commitment to environmental-science can be seen in their efforts to improve public spaces throughout Madrid, which includes the renovation of squares like Plaza Tirso de Molina, Plaza de Matute, Plaza de Julián Marías, and Plaza de Dalí.
