Puerta del Sol

Here we are at the most famous square of the city: Puerta del Sol. So where does “Gate” and “Sun” come from? Originally, there used to be a gate here that served as a passageway through the city walls of 15th-century Madrid—which explains the “Gate” part. As for the “Sun”, there was a large sundial on one of the now-demolished buildings. Hope I didn’t deceive you there, but that’s all there is! This square has a rich historical background and is home to three major symbols, all well-known to locals. First, it marks the geographic center of Spain—look for the “km 0” plaque on the ground. All road distances in Spain are measured from this very point. Next, you can spot from here the bronze statue of the bear and strawberry tree, an emblem of the city that also appears on Madrid’s coat of arms. Legend says that this image honours both King Alfonso XI, who killed a bear in the area, and the agreement between the Church and the city to bring the church’s orchards back into Madrid’s territory. The last symbol on this square is the clock on the Casa del Correos. This has always been a popular gathering spot for Madrileños as, in the past centuries, it was here that foreign news first came, making it the place to be if you wanted to hear the latest news. Today, Puerta del Sol gathers people for major events, including the famous New Year’s Eve countdown. At the stroke of midnight, you’re supposed to eat twelve grapes—one for each chime—to ensure a prosperous new year.