Old Madrid is composed of narrow stepped streets, little squares bordered by houses with colourful façades, 17C palaces and aristocratic residences, 19C and early-20C houses with wrought-iron balconies. The nucleus of the city evolved progressively from the 17C around Plaza Mayor (1619) - where Philip V, Ferdinand VI and Charles IV were proclaimed – and Plaza de la Villa. Best explored early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the churches are open.