As an emblematic site of Madrid, this place was one of the main entrances to Madrid in the XVth century. The gate disappeared in the XIXth century. The Puerta del Sol witnessed Spain's historical key-events such as the resistance against the French troups on the 2nd of may 1808, the proclamation of the Constitution in 1812 and the proclamation of the Republic in 1931. All events' route are to pass through this place. The current layout date back to the reconstructions conducted in 1847 and 1859. At the time, an hospital and two convents were brought down to make the reconstruction possible. The most emblematic building is the Casa de Correos or the Head Post Office, now the presidence of the Madrid community's headquarters. You can also see there an equestrian statue of Carlos III made of bronze and the statue of El Oso y el Madrono or "the Bear and the Strawberry Tree", symbole of Madrid. There is also the kilometre 0 from where all the Spanish roads start. But the most singular element of the Puerta del Sol is undoubtedly the Casa de Correos's clock, given by the clockmaker Losada in 1866. Every year, at the twelve strokes of midnight, Spanish people eat twelve grapes according to a tradition that started in the early XXth century. On the night of 31st December, thousands of people gather in front of the Puerta del Sol to carry the tradition and celebrate the new year's first moments.
To see: the clock, Carlos III's statue, El oso y el Madrono; Close to: Plaza Mayor, Descalzas Reales convent, Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando.
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Puerta del Sol - Madrid Address: Puerta del Sol, Madrid, Spain 
Puerta del Sol - Madrid Price: Free
