The statue of El Oso y El Madroño (the bear and Madroño tree) was infront of the Real Casa de Correos at the centre of the country but was moved back to its original place to the east of the plaza. This is Madrid's most famous and most central square, located just a short walk from thePlaza Mayor. Originally it was the site of one of the city's gates, which faced the east and was adorned with an image of the sun, hence the square's name. The area remains active late into the night and early morning since nearby bars and dance clubs often only start entertainment at 1 am.
An image of the sun was also showcased on the gate inself, helping to solidify Puerta del Sol as the name of the square. Read more about the top 6 things to see within Madrid’s Puerta del Sol. The Oso & Madroño is the official symbol of the city although with an unclear origin - it seems that there used to be many bears in the fields around Madrid although the original symbol was supposed to be a female bear . And the strawberry tree seems to be have actually been a hackberry tree , which was once in abundance around Madrid. The sign has enjoyed its fair share of changes, but its popularity became more obvious in 2011, when it was taken down as the original building was being refurbished. After a three-year absence, the sign was re-lit at number 11 Puerta del Sol in May 2014.
Choose from world-famous tourist attractions and landmarks, top free activities and fun things to do in Puerta del Sol. Discover famous cities, beach resorts, islands and countryside with recommendations on must-see places and sightseeing tips. Located in the heart of Madrid, on a pedestrian street with views of the Puerta del Sol and next to the Gran VÃa, Hotel El Mirador de la Puerta del Sol occupies a privileged spot in the Spanish capital. The Kilómetro Cero was the starting point of the six main roads in Spain in the 18th century. It’s also the starting reference point for the house numbers in Madrid. That is to say, that house number 1 on any given road in Madrid is always at the end nearest to the Puerta del Sol.
Originally the site of one of the city’s gates, Puerta del Sol should be at the top of your list of places to visit. Sitting atop the Casa de Correos building, the current headquarters of the Madrid regional government, you’ll find explore the famous clock that all eyes turn to on the last day of the year. For over a century now tradition has it that people across the country usher in the New Year by eating 12 lucky grapes to the twelve chimes of midnight struck by this clock. This bustling square located bang in the centre of Madrid is one of the city’s most famous sites. With its semi-circular shape, it is a junction for many of the city’s historical and busiest streets such as Mayor, Arenal, Alcalá and Preciados, as well as the starting point for all major radial roads in Spain. The statue is of a bear climbing a fruit tree and eating strawberries from its branches.
Despite once being the meeting point of the six major radial roads of Spain, in 2020 the square was pedestrianized and closed to most traffic. Exceptions are made for supplies to shops, emergency services and blood donation campaigns. On the other side of the square, at the start of Calle Arenal which leads to the Teatro Real opera house, stands a copy of La Mariblanca statue. The original, which dates back to the 17th century and once adorned a fountain in this very spot, is now stored in Casa de la Villa. Puerta del Sol’s third and largest statue is found in the centre of the square and depicts King Charles III of Spain on horseback. During his reign, the monarch introduced so many progressive reforms and gave the city such a makeover that he earned the moniker Madrid’s best mayor.
Also on the east side lies the statue of The Bear and the Strawberry Tree (in Spanish, el Oso y el Madroño), the heraldic symbol of Madrid. Until 2009, the statue stood on the north side at the entrance to Calle del Carmen. The Mariblanca is a copy of a statue , which marks the place of a former fountain displaying that figure. Puerta del Sol is home to many famous statues, the most important of which is El Oso y El Madrono, or the “Bear and the Strawberry Tree.†This statue is located at the east end of the square below the famous Tio Pepe advert. For many years now the Bear and the Strawberry Tree has been the unofficial symbol of Madrid.
Puerta del Sol (meaning The Sun's Gate in English) is one of the most renowned central squares in Madrid, a meeting point both for tourists and Madrileños, and home to several of the city’s landmarks, such as the Kilometre zero. Under the square lies a public transport hub served by lines 1, 2 and 3 of the Madrid Metro. A commuter service was inaugurated on 27 June 2009, four years behind schedule. The lateness of the construction was in part due to the discovery of the remains of the Church of Our Lady of Good Success during the excavation of the main chamber.
The new station connects the Puerta to Madrid's commuter rail system and, by extension, to Spain's railroads via direct connections to Atocha and ChamartÃn railway stations . This arcaded square located in the historical centre of the city is the heart of Hapsburg Madrid. Because of its location and prominence, the Puerta del Sol still serves as the focal point for many political protests. Mimers and musicians keep the crowds entertained and Disney characters amuse the young ones with their little pranks.