Puerta del Sol is one of the most famous public squares in Madrid, Spain. Located in the heart of the city, it is considered the “Kilometer Zero” point for the Spanish road network, and a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike.
The square takes its name from a gate that used to be part of the city walls and was located here in the 15th century. The gate was adorned with a sun emblem, hence the name “Puerta del Sol,” which means “Gate of the Sun.”
Today, the square is known for its iconic clock tower, which displays the time on New Year’s Eve and is the site of the countdown to the New Year. The square is also home to a number of important buildings, including the Post Office headquarters, the Casa de Correos, which features a statue of Madrid’s symbol, the bear and the strawberry tree.
The Puerta del Sol is a popular meeting point, with a number of benches and cafes where visitors can relax and enjoy the atmosphere. It is also the starting point for several walking tours of the city and a hub for the city’s public transportation system, with several metro and bus lines passing through the square.