Puerta del Sol Square

Puerta del Sol Square is one of the most famous and lively squares in Madrid, Spain. Known as the historic and geographic heart of Madrid, it is one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Due to its central location and cultural significance, Puerta del Sol is a popular destination for tourists and a bustling hub for locals.

Originally, Puerta del Sol was a gate in the eastern walls of the city of Madrid, facing the rising sun, which is how it got its name, “Gate of the Sun.” The square took its modern shape in the 18th and 19th centuries and gradually became a center for the social and political life of the city.

Features and Attractions:

• Kilómetro Cero (Zero Kilometer): One of the most famous points in Puerta del Sol, the marker of Zero Kilometer, from where all the main roads in Spain are measured. This marker is located on the ground of the square, and visitors can step on it.
• The Bear and Strawberry Tree (El Oso y el Madroño): This statue, a symbol of Madrid, depicts a bear climbing a strawberry tree. Located at the corner of the square, it is one of the most popular spots for photos.
• Royal Post Office (Real Casa de Correos): Located at the southern end of the square, this building houses the city's central clock. It is especially famous on New Year’s Eve, when people from Madrid and across Spain gather to eat twelve grapes in celebration as the clock strikes midnight to welcome the new year.
• Statue of Charles III: This statue honors King Charles III, one of Spain’s most reformist monarchs, who played a key role in the development and modernization of Madrid.