Madrid is the capital city of Spain and is full of treasures to explore like Puerta del Sol. Some consider it the beating heart of Madrid and one of its most famous central squares, as it is a junction for many of the city’s historical and busiest streets and the starting point for all major national roads. It’s actually just a short walk from another famous Spanish square, the Plaza Mayor. Puerta del Sol is another great place to start your visit of Madrid. Read about the history of this square and the top six things to see and do in this famous Spanish square!
History of Puerta del Sol
Puerta del Sol actually means “Gate of the Sun” and got its name from being one of the gates of the city walls that surrounded the old city of Madrid during the 5th century. Every morning the rising sun would shine brightly on and through the east gate of the square and hence having been given the name Gate of the Sun or Puerta del Sol. An image of the sun was also showcased on the gate inself, helping to solidify Puerta del Sol as the name of the square. Read more about the top 6 things to see within Madrid’s Puerta del Sol.
Tio Pepe Overlooking Puerta del Sol
One of the first things that stands out when you enter Puerta del Sol, at least if you are looking up is Tio Pepe, a giant sign dominating one end of the square. Tio Pepe is a brand of sherry made from the palomino grape and this image, shines bright over the Madrid skyline at night. This logo is so popular that you will even see it along roadsides throughout different parts of Spain.
El Oso y El Madroño: The Symbol of Madrid and Puerta del Sol
This 20 ton famous bear statue can also be found in Puerta del Sol. The statue is of a bear climbing a fruit tree and eating strawberries from its branches. According to the legend of Madrid, there were a high number of bears throughout the forests surrounding the city of Madrid. So, before Madrid got its current name, the original name of the city was Ursaria, which means “land of the bears” in Latin. The statue of the bear and strawberry tree have been the symbol of the city since the middle ages. It’s definitely something you don’t want to miss while visiting Puerta del Sol and it makes for a great spot to meet up with friends to explore the central part of Madrid and the surrounding area.
Puerta del Sol’s Statue of King Carlos III
The large equestrian statue of King Carlos III is located in the middle of Puerta del Sol and was installed in the square in 1997. It faces the Casa de Correos. King Carlos was nicknamed “el rey alcalde” (the mayor king) due to the public works program he founded for the city.
All Roads Lead from Kilometre Zero in Puerta del Sol
While walking throughout Puerta del Sol, you will surely walk over or cross the Kilometre Zero Stone Slab located in the middle of the square. This Kilometre Zero actually marks the official starting point of Spain’s six national roads and measures the distances from that very point to other parts of Spain. The original stone, displayed in the picture below, was placed into the square in 1950 and as you can tell from all the footsteps walking over it throughout the decades, it had deteriorated and was finally replaced with a new stone in 2009 that is clearer to see and read.
Casa de Correos and the Clock Tower of Puerta del Sol
Casa de Correos was Madrid’s main post office that was completed in 1768. It is a beautiful 18th century red brick building that is now the current headquarters of the Madrid regional government. On top of the building is Madrid’s famous clock tower, where Spaniards come to ring in the new year with a special Spanish tradition. Spaniards from across the country usher in the New Year by eating 12 lucky grapes to the twelve chimes of midnight struck by this clock.
Getting to and from Puerta del Sol using the Metro
Puerta del Sol is also a great starting point to using the city’s underground Metro. Venture into the underground to explore other parts of the city or if you are trying to get to Puerta del Sol, then take lines 1, 2 or 3 and get off at the Sol Metro station.
Meet Up With Friends and Hang Out at Puerta del Sol
Puerta del Sol is a great place to meet up with your friends and catch up while relaxing in the square as you people watch. It’s also ideally located in the central part of Madrid so there are many other sites and locations that you can visit that are close in proximity to this plaza.
There are many treasures of traveling throughout the capital city of Spain to discover, like Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor. Madrid has many things to offer any tourist and Puerta del Sol is a wonderful place to start your journey. There are also many wonderful southern Spanish cities to discover like Granada and Seville.
Check out the map below to see where Puerta del Sol in Madrid is located at!
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