Reloj de Gobernación, Clock tower at Casa de Correos in Puerta del Sol, Madrid, Spain
The Reloj de Gobernación is a clock mounted in a small temple-like structure on top of the Casa de Correos building at Puerta del Sol. The mechanism includes bells that chime on the hour and at fifteen-minute intervals throughout the day.
Queen Isabel II inaugurated this clock on November 19, 1866, replacing an older timepiece from the demolished Church of Buen Suceso. The installation marked an important shift toward modern timekeeping in the heart of the capital.
The clock serves as the center of Spain's New Year tradition, where people eat twelve grapes in time with each midnight chime. This custom has become deeply rooted in how Madrid celebrates the start of each year.
The best spot to see and hear the clock is from Puerta del Sol square, especially at the top of the hour or at midnight during New Year celebrations. The chimes carry clearly across the central plaza regardless of where you stand.
The clock mechanism was designed by José Rodríguez Losada, a Spanish clockmaker based in London who had also repaired Big Ben. His technical expertise resulted in a mechanism of remarkable precision that visitors rarely learn about.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
