Puerta del Sol

Puerta del Sol is one of Madrid's most bustling and significant public squares, acting as the very heart of the city and indeed, of Spain itself. Its name, 'Gate of the Sun', comes from a gate that once stood here, decorated with a sun since it faced east. This semicircular plaza is famous for several landmarks. It is home to the 'Kilometer Zero' plaque, which marks the starting point for Spain's radial road network, as well as the iconic statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree (El Oso y el Madroño), the official symbol of Madrid. Puerta del Sol is a constant hive of activity, serving as a popular meeting point, a venue for protests and celebrations, and a central transport hub. It's particularly famous for hosting Spain's New Year's Eve celebrations, where crowds gather to eat twelve grapes in time with the chimes of the clock tower of the Royal House of the Post Office.