Spain Guide : Madrid’s Central Square

Puerta del Sol is one of the most popular destinations for tourists to Madrid; the name means “Gate of the Sun”.

The Spanish used to enter the city of Madrid through these gates at one time. Like many towns in medieval times back in the 15th century Madrid was protected by a large wall with Puerta Del Sol serving as the only entrance. In this way, it was well known to traders and visitors from all over the world, and after the walls around Madrid were taken down, it stayed a meeting place. As a matter of fact, it remains the major meeting point in Madrid even today.

Outstanding examples of Spanish architecture can be seen throughout the area and there are also various monuments and statues, a particularly famous one being a large sculpture of a bear eating the fruit of the madrone tree (the name ‘Madrid’ derives from the Spanish word for this plant and the bear is a powerful symbol for the Madrid citizens).

One of Madrid’s most important buildings, the House of the Post Office, which is the central point for the New Year celebrations, is located there, as is a paving slab that marks the spot from which originate the six main highways traversing Spain. For these reasons, it is an excellent place to start exploring the city, as well as the entire country.

The area is close to other Madrid attractions, like the Palacio Real (or Royal Palace), the Plaza Mayor, and Parliament; a Metro station gives easy access to the site.

There are also numerous side streets, house shops, restaurants and other destinations nearby, at least half a day in Madrid should be dedicated to the area of Puerta Del Sol. Go in the evening if possible as the bars and cafes fill up with tourists and citizens alike and street performers arrive to entertain those present.

Tags: Vacations Spain