Puerta del Sol is one of the best known and most emblematic places in the city of Madrid. Everyone who visits the capital passes through it and takes a photo at the statue of the Madroño Bear. There are many curiosities about this place that are worth knowing, which we have collected below.
Walls and name
Throughout its history, several defensive walls have been built in the city of Madrid . In the same way as in other places, these walls had different access gates, and the Puerta del Sol was one of them.
In the 16th century it was the eastern access door to the town of Madrid, so it was the first place where the sun’s rays hit at dawn. It was for this reason that Carlos I of Spain and V of Germany decided to baptize the place as Puerta del Sol .
The Bear and the Strawberry Tree
The Bear and the Strawberry Tree became an icon of Madrid since the 12th century . However, it has undergone a series of modifications throughout history. At first it was a bear on all fours. The tree was incorporated after a dispute between the Council and the Church for control of hunting and pasture. Once the problem was solved, the Madroño was added.
Post House
The Post Office was built in 1766 . It was commissioned by a French architect and in 1857 it became the Ministry of the Interior as a result of the urban remodeling of Madrid.
Kilometer 0
Kilometer 0 marks the beginning of the six great highways in Spain, which have existed since the 18th century. In addition, it determines the numbers of the streets in the city, and the number 1 of each street is always the one at the end closest to Puerta del Sol .
Clock
One of the most important elements of Puerta del Sol is the clock. Made in London, it was added in 1866 . Its operation was very precise initially, but one of the television cables caused a mismatch in 1990. This incident brought the new year forward in 1995.
Statue of Carlos III
In the center of Puerta del Sol there is a statue of Carlos III on horseback . It was inaugurated in 1994 as a tribute to what is considered the best mayor the city of Madrid has ever had.
