 | Madrid Puerta del Sol Reviews | 31 - 40 of 78 |  |
While wandering around Puerta del Sol at some point you’ll come across this bear statue. It is simply impossible to miss this 20 ton symbol of Madrid. The statue shows a bear eating Madroño fruits. Its original name is El Oso y El Madroño, and although Madroño sounds like the name of the capital, Madrid didn’t get its name from the three (or at least this is what I was told). Madrid got its name from “Matrice”, the first village that was established on the Manzanares river, it was later changed to “Mayrit” and eventually evolved into it’s current one – Madrid.
As for Madroño, it’s a tree with tiny, red fruits that look pretty much like wild strawberries. If you happen to find a real Madroño tree, don’t try its fruits, they have a very bitter taste.
How the bear got into the city’s symbol? Bears were very common in the forests that surrounded the city and at some point it even had the name Ursa – which is bear in Latin. Leave a Comment
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The marker of Madrid's central square from which all spanish road distances are measured. Also used for many as the meeting point. Leave a Comment
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Square Puerta Del Sol (Gates of the Sun) built on the XVII century and it became the heart of Madrid and whole Spain. Leave a Comment Directions: The Old Madrid
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This was the first place I headed to after checking into my hotel. I arrived by Metro, and the first thing that I saw on walking up the metro steps was the famous Tio Pepe advertising board
It was Saturday afternoon, and the place was buzzing with locals and tourists.
It was a month to Christmas, and workmen were busy installing the Christmas lights and decorations. In front of me was a large Christmas tree.
The Puerta del Sol was one of the gates into the city - its most eastern point. As the city expanded, it is now considered the centre of Madrid city.
Around the square and on the many streets that lead off Sol like bicycle spokes, are many bars, restaurants and shops.
In the square were post card and souvenir stands, street artists, buskers, hawkers, locals queueing for lotto tickets, and a few beggars.
Probably one of the best times to visit this square is New Years Eve, when the citizens of Madrid pack tightly into the square, facing the clock above the Casa de Correos. It is tradition that a grape is eaten on each of the 12 chimes at midnight to bring good luck for the following Year. The celebrations are televised nationwide.
I passed through Sol a few times during my weekend break, and it was always busy both day and night. It never felt threatening though - I felt quite safe.
Part of the square is hidden by hoardings, this is where a new rail line and station are being constructed- it's work has been delayed due to unearthing archelogical sites.
I'll cover other things to see and do in my following tips Leave a Comment
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This is Madrid's equivalent of Times Square in NYC. Demonstrations and celebrations are held here, and it is the nexus of activity. City hall is facing this square, and there is a statue of the city's mascot, the bear eating from a strawberry tree. At the time of my visit it was being dug up for construction of the new train station. Leave a Comment Directions: center of Madrid
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Puerta del Sol is the "center" of it all. If you go here, you really have the whole central city in walking distance.
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This attractive statue in bronze and concrete of a bear and madrona (strawberry)tree was installed in 1967. It is the badge or symbol of the city. It weighs 20 tons!
I was a bit confused about a strawberry tree -as far as I was aware, strawberries grew on plants. I now realise that Medrona or Arbutus is a species of tree, whose fruit slightly resembles a strawberry!
Look out for this coat of arms on manhole covers, taxi cabs etc around the city.
Another popular place for a rendezvous, or watching people taking photos of each other posing against the statue. Leave a Comment
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The plaza's name originates from the eastern city gate located here in the 15th century. It is the center of Madrid. Leave a Comment
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On the pavement, near the kerb edge, In front of the Casa de Correos is a plaque marking the spot Kilometre Zero.
This is allegedly the centre of Spain, and all measurements of distance from Madrid are taken from this point. House/ shop numbers in Madrid also start from this point.
It's a popular spot for people to take photos of each other in various poses on the sign- If You want a photo of the plaque without someones foot on it, You might have to wait a while! So when You get the chance, Stand on it and pose! Leave a Comment Directions: In front of the clock tower - Casa de Correas - just look on the pavement near the road kerbing - Or spot the group posing for photos - it's there by their feet!
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At some point while walking through Madrid, you're sure to find the Puerta del Sol. Several historic events happened here. Now, it's a meeting place, and you can reach just about any sight in Madrid from Puerta del Sol-Plaza Mayor is a stone's throw away.
In a way, the Puerta del Sol is like New York's Times Square. In addition to all the people coming and going, it's where folks congregate on New Years Eve to welcome in the New Year-don't forget those grapes!
Also, the very center of Spain's road network, Kilometre Zero, is located here.
The Tio Pepe sign advertises, I believe, a brand of sherry. Wish I had a good picture of it-when you see it, you know where you are! Leave a Comment Directions: Metro station: Sol
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Destinations near Madrid- Hortaleza, 8.52 km / 5.30 miles
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