Sol
The area where Puerta del Sol is located is also known as “El Madrid de los Austria”, which also includes a large part of La Latina area.
Many important historical events have taken place in this part of town, which also housed the castle. The main castle door was destroyed in 1570 and is where the name 'Puerta del Sol' comes from ("door of the sun"). Historical events include the resurrection of the Spaniards against Carlo III in 1766, the unsuccessful rebelion of more than 200 Spaniards against Napoleón in 1808, and finally the proclamation of the Republic in 1931.
In the middle of the square you'll find Zero kilometre (Kilómetro Cero) which is a central point of six radial streets in Spain. Actually, according to legend, those who pass this stone will come back to Madrid. Famous for its Estatua del Oso (Bear Statue) and del Madroño, the emblem of the city. In the middle ages there were many bears living around the city and the red fruit tree 'Madroño' and these two things symbolise the agreement between the church and the council in 1222 with the objective to share the land on the outskirts of the city.
Puerta del Sol, which hasn't changed much since 1861, is today a central location which is the central point to many guide tours. In the surrounding area there are many shops of different types to suit anyone's shopping needs. From the 'Puerta', the pedestrian streets Preciados, del Carmen y Armal, are the most popular shopping area of the city. According to a recent ranking regarding the most expensive shopping streets in the world, Calle Preciados is ranked nº 12! At the top of this list is 5th Avenue in New York, followed by Champs Elysées in Paris, Causeway Bay in Hong Kong
and Oxford St in London.
Located at Puerta del Sol you'll also find the Royal Post House, better known as 'Casa de Correos' which is today home to the Presidence of Madrid, whilst in the past it was home to the Interior Minister, until it was converted, during the dictatorship, into the General address of State Security. The building has two clocks which are used on the night of 31 December during the tradition of 12 grapes on new year's eve (to eat one grape on each bell gong), a tradition dating back to New year's eve in Madrid of 1896, which ridiculises the old custom of the high classes to eat grapes for dinner on this night. During new year's eve Puerta del Sol fills with people, especially tourists.
Not far from Puerta del Sol and Plaza de la Ville (home to the city council or 'Ayuntamiento') and next to Calle Mayor, you'll find Plaza Mayor of Madrid, originating from the 15th century. Originally this was the city's principal market which also held many public events like Bull running, amongst others. Nowadays it holds festivals, free concerts and is famous for its market of stamps and coins, an essential for tourists!
From here you can enjoy a stroll directly to the Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral and Campo del Moro. Also nearby you'll find Plaza Espanya (known as the Madrileño Broadway) and Gran Vía, full of cinemas and theatres, in which much of Madrid's cultural agenda is concentrated. To the south, taking calle Toledo, walking 7 minutes, you'll get to La Latina. The area of Lavapiés is to the south east and also nearby.
The area of Sol is not dangerous, also due to Police presence. As in all big cities you should take care at night and not go alone.
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