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
