Puerta del Sol (Madrid)
Puerta del Sol (Madrid) · Madrid
Por Spain ·
The Puerta del Sol is one of Madrid’s nerve centres. The first buildings around this site began to be erected in the 16th century, although it was with the construction of the Casa de Correos in 1768 that this area began to take on the importance it holds today.
In the 19th century, the square was completely transformed and, between 1857 and 1862, following the demolition of a number of buildings, the Puerta del Sol took on its current appearance.
This spot, the ‘kilometre zero’ of Spain’s road network, has been the scene of numerous historical events, including the Esquilache riot in 1766, the resistance against Napoleon’s troops on 2 May 1808, and the proclamation of Ferdinand VII as king in 1814.
A must-see, the Puerta del Sol features various points of interest, such as the statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree, next to Calle Alcalá, and the nine-metre-high equestrian statue of Charles III.
This square in Madrid is closely linked to the tradition of eating twelve grapes – one for each chime of the clock – on the night of 31 December. The large clock that dominates the Puerta del Sol is responsible for welcoming in the New Year for many Spaniards.
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