One of the most
popular and busiest spots in Madrid is known as Puerta del
Sol. Tourist can start exploring Madrid right from here. It is a
destination which offers a lot to do with its central location. The name was
taken from a city gate located in the fifteenth century. The face of the gate
was to the east so the sun dawn on it, hence called Puerta del Sol or English
called Sun Gate. The modern semi oval square was created in the 19th century. Without doubt it is the
official center of Spain and the heart of
the Madrid .
The area remains
crowded and lively both at day and night but almost car-free. It has different
popular meeting points. The linked streets been rushed with people and radiate
from the Puerta del Sol to other important (famous) sights such as famous Plaza
Mayor, and the Opera House.
A big equestrian
statue of King Carlos III is fixed in the middle of the Puetra del Sol between two big fountains on a giant thick wall,
installed here in 1997. These fountains become meeting points in evenings. On the south side of the semi circle you will see a
clock tower a part of a beautiful eighteenth century red brick building named
the Casa de Correos. The building was design by the French architect Jacques
Marquet and established in 1768 as the city’s main post office. Later in 1866,
the clock tower was added there.
Meeting under the
clock tower is so famous among locals. This place is also a popular spot on New
Year Celebrations. Hundreds of people come to watch the clock strike midnight.
Statue of “El Oso y El Madrono” is also a spot popular among people to meet
there. This is a Bear and a Strawberry tree statue, a twenty ton statue of bear
eating fruits from a tree. Its name is in Spanish while this has become emblem or
symbol of the city from the Middle Ages.
Near Year Ceremony in Puerta del Sol
New Year Eve in Puerta del Sol
Puerta del Sol is bathing in green lights
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