Learn About Spain : Puerta Del Sol (Madrid’s Central Square)
September 7, 2009 by 247 Travel Guides
Filed under Travel Tips
Puerta del Sol, which is Spanish for ‘Gate of the Sun’, is one of Madrid’s most popular tourist destinations.
The gates were once the entrance to Madrid. Like many medieval towns it was surrounded in the 15th century by a protective wall and it is through the gates that entry to the city was gained. They became known to visitors and traders from around the world, and even after the walls came down, the gates continued to be a meeting place. In fact, it is still the main meeting point in Madrid today.
Beautiful Spanish architecture can be viewed all over the area, in addition to many statues and monuments, one of the most famous being the huge sculpture of a bear munching in the fruit from the madrone tree,(The Spanish word for this plant as well as the bear is a strong symbol for the people of Madrid).
The House of the Post Office, is one of Madrid’s most important buildings, and it is the main point for the celebrations of the New Year. There is also a slab of paving that marks the area that the six major highways come from, that go around Spain. For these reasons, it is an excellent place to start exploring the city, as well as the entire country.
From Puerta Del Sol it is only a short walk to other popular attractions such as Plaza Mayor and Palacio Real, the Parliament is also nearby and the Metro is easily accessible from the area.
Dozens of restaurants, side street shops, and other attractions are there, so it takes a good half day to visit. If possible, go in the evening, because both citizens and tourists fill the cafes and bars, and street performers come by to entertain them.
Sponsored By : Spanish Phrases
