Puerta Del Sol

The Puerta del Sol (Spanish for "Sun Gate") is one of the most well known and busiest places in Madrid .

This is the centre (''Km 0'') of the radial network of Spanish Roads . The square also contains the famous clock whose bells mark the traditional eating of the Twelve Grapes and the beginning of a new year. The New Year's celebration has been broadcast live on TV since 31 December 1962 .

HISTORY

The Puerta del Sol originated as one of the gates in the city wall that surrounded Madrid in the 15th Century . Outside the wall, mediaeval suburbs began to grow around the Christian Wall of the 12th Century . The name of the gate has its origin in the rising sun which decorated the entry, since the gate was oriented to the east. Between the 17th and 19th Centuries , the area was an important meeting place.

The House of the Post Office was built by the French Architect Maquet between 1766 and 1768 , and it was the building of the Ministry of Interior and State Security during the Francisco Franco dictatorship and it is currently the seat of the Presidency of the Madrid Community .

CONTENTS OF THE ''PUERTA''

The Puerta del Sol contains a number well known sights associated both domestically and internationally with Spain. On the south side, the old Post Office is used as the center of government for the Madrid Community (not to be confused with the municipal government, which is housed elsewhere). Also on its south side, the square holds a mounted statue of Charles III Of Spain , nicknamed "the mayor of Madrid" for his public works program. The famous Tio Pepe lighted sign is above the square's western building between the Calle Mayor and the Calle de Arenal. On the north side lies a statue of a bear and a Madrone tree (''madroño''), the heraldic symbol of Madrid. The ''Mariblanca'' (actually Venus) marks the place of a former fountain.

The ''kilómetro cero'' is directly north of the Post Office and serves as the symbolic center of Spain. In addition to serving as the basis of numbering in the , and Spain's involvement in the Iraq War {Link without Title} .

A Metro station named Sol lies under the square.

LOCATION IN MADRID

The ''Puerta'' is unsuprisingly located in the very heart of Madrid. Immediately to the southwest lies the Plaza Mayor and the Palacio Real , the official home of the Royal Family , is further west. Parliament and the museum district are to the east and the train station Atocha is to the southeast.

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Puerta Del Sol