Puerta del Sol is the central square of Madrid, surrounded by many historic buildings. The square was once the place where Napoleon's army invaded Madrid and confronted the citizens. Now it is a place for major parades and gatherings and leisure and entertainment for citizens and tourists. No matter day or night, it is always crowded and full of vitality. Plaza Building The Puerta del Sol square is semicircular, surrounded by houses and buildings, many of which can be called the essence of Madrid's urban architecture. On the south side of Puerta del Sol stands the iconic old postal building (LaCasadeCorreos), an old red and white building in the square that resembles a majestic palace. The bell tower in the middle of the building is very famous. Every New Year's Eve, Madrid people will gather here to celebrate the arrival of the new year by eating 12 grapes symbolizing good luck when the clock strikes 12 midnight. There is a sign on the pedestrian walkway in front of the "zero point sign" postal building, which is marked "zero point" (Kilómetro Cero). All road milestones in Spain are calculated from here, and the house number of the city of Madrid is also here. for the starting point. "Bear and Raspberry Statue" The symbol of Madrid City The "Bear and Raspberry" statue (Estatua del Osoyel Madroño) is located in the east of Puerta del Sol. This statue replaces the previous ruins of Puerta del Sol, and is now a very popular landmark in Madrid. The little bear stood upright, holding the raspberry tree in front of his front paws, lifelike. Now it is also a meeting place for many locals. Statue of Carlos III In the center of the Puerta del Sol Square stands the equestrian statue of Carlos III (EstatuaecuestredeCarlosIII). Next to the statue is a large fountain surrounded by flowers and steps for visitors to rest. In addition, the building itself of the Puerta del Sol (Sol) station on the square is also a highlight. The arched glass building shines in the sun, and the avant-garde shape like a shell is quite eye-catching among the traditional and classical buildings in the square. . Square Activities You can watch and take pictures at will in the square, or you can sit by the fountain, feed the pigeons, and enjoy the wonderful street performers. Puerta del Sol is also a commercial area. You can find flagship stores around Topshop, Sephora, Springfield, and Real Madrid. You can also see the building of the wine cellar TioPepe. The Ingles department store is also close at hand. To the Grand Avenue, to the west is the Callao business district, which is definitely a good place for shopping. In addition, there are many bars and cafes in the alley on the south side of the square, which are very local in Madrid, and the prices are very close to the people. You might as well try the feeling of beer with tapa (Madrid snacks). Puerta del Sol Square is also very lively at night with beautiful scenery at midnight. At the beginning of the lanterns, people are surging. At this time, Puerta del Sol Square may better interpret the essence of Madrid nightlife. Street teenagers dancing in the square, sentimental saxophone players, whispering couples...all are a beautiful scenery. If you happen to come here at midnight, facing the still crowded crowd in the square, and the cheers one after another, please don't be surprised, this city is saying to you in a unique way: Welcome to Puerta del Sol, welcome to Puerta del Sol. Come to sleepless Madrid!
travelled to Madrid during summer weather was hot lots of people, tourists great view enjoyed their facility, safety, stays, and people. public transports are convenient. very very amazing trip. good thing about Madrid was their gelato were amazing, especially yogurt ice cream. during summer, nights were short. so you can enjoy endless view and endless evening. definitely great to travel during summer but price is a little bit off, but definite worth I would say. great overall!
The site of the Puerta del Sol, originally a gate facing the east on the 15th century Madrid wall, was named after the upper floor decorated with the pattern of the rising sun; in the continuous expansion of the city, the gate was demolished in 1570. The square, which was built, retained the name of "Puerta del Sol" and gradually became the center of the city. From the aerial aerial view, the 10 streets and alleys are radiant, like the rising sun and shining. In the center of the square, oval fountains on both sides of the east and west, surrounded by the statue of Carlos III sitting in the C position. The king, who built Madrid's vast infrastructure and was admired by the people of Madrid, rode a high-headed horse and sat smilingly watching the wind and clouds of the square and the changes of the city. On the south side is the most classic building in the square - the Security Bureau Building. The building built from 1766 to 1768 (the bell tower was built in 1867), the simple and bright style, the red and white facade, conveying the atmosphere of neoclassical palace architecture. The building was originally the central post office in Madrid, later the headquarters of the Franco-era Ministry of National Security, and is now the government office building in Madrid. For quite a while, the Spanish people loved the clock on the roof of the Security Bureau building, and regarded the clock as Spanish standard time, and it was honored to come here to watch. Today, people gather in the square to listen to the New Year bells of the building. On the north side, four slightly curved buildings lined up all the way, with stylish facades and white crystals; The top of the building is towering "TIO PEPE" (the world's first brand of sherry) advertising, exaggerated with elegance, cute cute. The ground of the street in front of the main entrance of the Security Bureau building is embedded with the road zero kilometers logo. Semicircular logo engraved with maps of Spain and the Iberian Peninsula and the words "0 km, road starting point". Spanish roads calculate miles from this point, Madrid streets prepare house numbers from this point. Without a shadow, the shoes underfoot have not set foot in Madrid.
Visit Madrid, stop in the starry city square, stroll in the crisscrossed streets, always meet the streets of all kinds of artists...or classic, or absurd, or light singing, or daze, a beautiful scenery, a set of tourists' eyes.
Amazing Main square in the center of Madrid with nice restaurant. The clock on top of the building is mainly used for New Year Eve where Spanish people take the 12 grapes.
Full of places to visit, and very iconic: shops, the clock, the bear and the Tio Pepe sign.
Bocadillo de calamares near Puerta del Sol at a touristy bar that was really full of people.
A very lively and bustling square full of people. A good place to people watch or just to use as your central focal point.