The semi-circular square Gate of the Sun or Puerta del Sol is the center of Madrid, and it used to be the east border of the city. This is the place where historical and busiest streets of the city intertwine. As the most famous place in the city, it has the characteristics of a lively, beautiful, busy and highly visited square among residents and tourists. Puerta del Sol is one of the city gates of Madrid. All the most important roads in Spain begin from this place, and on the stone slab created in 1950 in front of the main entrance of today's building of the Government of Madrid, Casa de Correos, a zero kilometer is drawn which symbolizes the starting point for all radial roads in Spain.
This building is the oldest building in this place, and its original purpose was the post office, then the Ministry of the Interior, the headquarters of the security police during the time of Francisco Franco, and today this is the Government building. There is a clock on this building that the post office received for its 100th birthday, and after 100 years the clock began to be used as a place where the people of Madrid count down the last seconds of the old year and look forward to entering the New Year. What is interesting is that this countdown has been broadcast on National Television since 1962, and the tradition is that the people of Madrid take 12 grapes and eat one by one in the rhythm of the ticking of the hands on the clock.
Across the square is the main landmark of Madrid, a statue of a bear and a strawberry tree. On the other side of the square, there is a copy of the La Mariblanca statue. And the largest statue of the square is located in the central part and it is the equestrian statue of King Charles III. During his reign, King Charles III really contributed to the great development of Madrid and introduced numerous reforms, which led to him being proclaimed the best ruler of Madrid.
As you walk through the square, you can hear street musicians and see street dancers. Various performances change during the day. All the liveliness of the metropolis can be felt here. Numerous cafes, restaurants and shops can be found in this area. And of course, don't forget to take a photo next to the bear.
The square used to be surrounded by ramparts aimed at protecting Madrid. There was a door on the walls that had sun painted on them. Although the wall and door were demolished over time, the name Puerta del Sol has remained to this day. Translated, it means "Gate of the Sun".
Puerta del Sol was a place of important gatherings in the 17th and 18th centuries, and all couriers from around the world and Spain came to the post office. The stairs leading to the church of St. Philip were known as a place where people gossip, mentideros de la Corte. The oldest building in this part is the post office building built between 1766 and 1768.
Author of the text:
Maja Glavaš, Bachelor with Honours in Communicology. Works in Tourism.
Contact: [email protected]; instagram: travel_europe1
Photo credit: Alvaro Araoz
