The Sun's Gate

Puerta del Sol is one of the busiest and most popular public squares in the city of Madrid. This is considered to be the centre of the radial network of roads in Spain. It features many popular attractions along with a large clock that is the centre attraction here.

Puerta del Sol refers to the Gate of the sun in Spanish. Puerta del Sol can be considered as the official central point in the city of Madrid. In its earlier days, it used to be the eastern gate of the city and now it is much more than that. The square is home to the famous clock tower, "Real Casa de Correos", whose bells mark the beginning of a new year. The tower was first built as a part of the Post Office which is now the headquarters of the President of Madrid's autonomous community. Visiting this place during the Christmas or New Year is considered to be the best time and it is also broadcasted live on the television. The other major attractions in this square include the Oso y Madrono statue, which is the official symbol of the city, Calle Alcala and the equestrian Statue of Carlos III, which is located at the centre of Kilometer Zero.