Puerta del Sol, Central square in Madrid, Spain
Description
Puerta del Sol is a large pedestrian square in central Madrid, where the Casa de Correos with its clock tower forms the main building. Several wide streets lead away from the square, and the open space invites people to linger.
History
In the 15th century, a city gate stood here that marked Madrid's eastern boundary and gave the square its name. In the 18th century, the Casa de Correos was built, later becoming the regional government seat and shaping the appearance to this day.
Culture
The name Puerta del Sol comes from a sun decoration that once adorned the eastern city gate, and today the square serves as a popular meeting point for locals and travelers. People gather here daily to meet friends, walk through surrounding streets, or simply watch life unfold in the capital.
Practical
The square is best visited early in the morning or late in the evening, when fewer people are around and you can observe the surroundings more calmly. The area is completely flat and easily accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
Did you know?
A bronze plaque on the ground marks Kilometer Zero of Spain, from which all distances in the country are measured. Additionally, a 20-ton statue of a bear reaching up to a strawberry tree stands here, representing Madrid's heraldic symbol.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Sol).
Madrid brings together royal history with everyday city life. The city holds palaces from the 18th century, wide parks, and art collections built up over generations. The Royal Palace sits on the site of a medieval fortress, while Retiro Park was once royal grounds before opening to the public. The...
Madrid ranks among Europe's richest cultural capitals. The city brings together royal heritage, art, and everyday life behind its wide avenues and animated squares. The Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza, and Reina Sofía museums display works from the medieval period to contemporary times. The Royal Palace,...
The Community of Madrid brings together the energy of the Spanish capital and the variety of its surroundings. In the city center, you can visit three world-known art museums: the Prado, the Reina Sofía, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza. The Royal Palace shows the history of monarchy, while Plaza Mayor...
Statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree
74 m
Royal Post Office
62 m
Equestrian statue of Charles III of Spain
14 m
Mariblanca, Madrid
80 m
Casa Cordero, Madrid
63 m
Kilómetro Cero
38 m
Royal House of Posts
128 mMariblanca. Réplica Puerta del Sol
91 m
Commemorative plaque to Juan Gris, Madrid
62 mFrancisco Alonso
120 m
Boca central de la estación de Sol
59 m
Calle de Carretas 4, Madrid
109 m
Commemorative plaque to Jorge Luis Borges
30 mFuentes gemelas de la Puerta del Sol
16 m
Héroes Populares del Dos de Mayo, Madrid
43 m
Atentados 11-M
41 mCafé de la Montaña
116 m
Espoz y Mina 2 housing, Madrid
110 m
Casa Goya-Mariategui, Madrid
127 m
Housing for Julián Calvo y Gil
87 mPuerta del Sol
18 mTio Pepe
40 mPuerta del Sol Clock
45 mMonasterio de San Felipe
104 mAmador Cuesta Barrientos ´´AMADOR´´
41 mHans Christian Andersen
98 mMemorial, commemorative plaque
35 mOlga Ramos
104 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes