The statue of El Oso y El Madroño (the bear and Madroño tree) was infront of the Real Casa de Correos at the centre of the country but was moved back to its original place to the east of the plaza. This is Madrid's most famous and most central square, located just a short walk from thePlaza Mayor. Originally it was the site of one of the city's gates, which faced the east and was adorned with an image of the sun, hence the square's name. The area remains active late into the night and early morning since nearby bars and dance clubs often only start entertainment at 1 am.
An image of the sun was also showcased on the gate inself, helping to solidify Puerta del Sol as the name of the square. Read more about the top 6 things to see within Madrid’s Puerta del Sol. The Oso & Madroño is the official symbol of the city although with an unclear origin - it seems that there used to be many bears in the fields around Madrid although the original symbol was supposed to be a female bear . And the strawberry tree seems to be have actually been a hackberry tree , which was once in abundance around Madrid. The sign has enjoyed its fair share of changes, but its popularity became more obvious in 2011, when it was taken down as the original building was being refurbished. After a three-year absence, the sign was re-lit at number 11 Puerta del Sol in May 2014.
Madrid is certainly one of the capitals of fashion and shopping in Spain, and Preciados is one of the most important shopping hubs of the Spanish capital. Dubbed the most commercial street in Madrid, Preciados is also home to some uber-expensive real estate and apartments. Although popular for the countless couture and high-street shops, this street is also famous for housing the English Court and other international franchises. Located just a short walk from the Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol is Madrid‘s most famous and central square.
It is adjacent to the Palace de Correos, and there is a famous clock in the middle of the square which counts time for the 12 grapes eating tradition that has been practiced in Spain for many centuries. There are a few excellent souvenir shops, cafes, and small shopping centers located at Puerta del Sol. Casa de Correos was Madrid’s main post office that was completed in 1768.
This continued throughout the summer of 2011 until the dawn of 2 August, when the national police decided to evict the structure and protestors. Currently, dozens of committees have their assemblies in the iconic square. The Puerta del Sol originated as one of the gates in the city wall that surrounded Madrid in the 15th century. Outside the wall, medieval suburbs began to grow around the Christian Wall of the 12th century. The name of the gate came from the rising sun which decorated the entry, since the gate was oriented to the east. Discover the city's most popular sights and attractions, from one of Europe's largest royal palaces to the magnificent Prado Museum and Real Madrid's stadium.
While walking throughout Puerta del Sol, you will surely walk over or cross the Kilometre Zero Stone Slab located in the middle of the square. This Kilometre Zero actually marks the official starting point of Spain’s six national roads and measures the distances from that very point to other parts of Spain. Parroquia de Nuestra Señora del Carmen y san Luis obispo is a Catholic church located close to Puerta del Sol, and is one of the most famous and visited churches in the Spanish capital.
Centrally located, Petit Palace Tres Cruces offers easy access to Madrid's popular tourist and retail hot spots. Just a short stroll from Gran Via, it provides modern rooms equipped with bottled water, a mini bar and a flat-screen TV. Situated in Madrid City Centre, Safestay Madrid is a short stroll to several local tourist attractions, including Plaza del Dos de Mayo. In La Puerta del Sol, the so-called Kilometer Zero of the country’s radial roads has been located since 1950. The clock is the famous clock all Spaniards turn their eyes to on New Year's Eve, guzzling down a grape to each of it's twelve chimes at midnight. Millions watch on TV explore and what sometimes seems like millions more brave the cold here in the square.
The Puerta del Sol (Spanish for "Gate of the Sun") is a public square in Madrid, one of the best known and busiest places in the city. The square also contains the famous clock whose bells mark the traditional eating of the Twelve Grapes and the beginning of a new year. The New Year's celebration has been broadcast live on national television since 31 December 1962.