The Safety Pin of Plaza de Pontejos

Plaza de Pontejos has been a key commercial hub since the 18th century, home to markets and shops, particularly those selling textiles. It has also been a birthplace for social movements, such as workers' protests and popular revolts. However, it is the square’s commercial character that has made it famous among locals.

Haberdasheries and Plaza de Pontejos are inseparable. This modest square, just a minute from Puerta del Sol, has been the go-to spot for tailors and dressmakers in Madrid for over a century.

The Plaza de Pontejos is one of the few remaining squares in central Madrid still devoted to traditional retail, primarily haberdasheries. If you’re searching for a button, zipper, sewing thread, or safety pin, this is the place to visit.

During the square's renovation, completed in November 2023, a new feature was added: a safety pin engraved into the ground. While it’s easy to link this decorative element to the nearby stores, no one really knows why it’s there or who placed it.