Puerta del Sol
The transformation in recent years of Madrid’s iconic meeting place has been remarkable. Until not so long ago it was a polluted and rather seedy transport hub surrounded by flop hotels, albeit with plenty of old-time character. Now it has been regenerated as a pedestrian-only plaza with gleaming granite paving stones overlooked by an arc of restored 18th and 19th century buildings. It has also been much messed about with. The famous neon sign advertising Tío Pepe sherry was moved to another rooftop to accommodate an Apple Store. The city’s beloved statue of a bear and madroño tree, an equestrian statue of Carlos III, and even the Kilómetro Cero marker from which all road distances in Spain are measured, have all been moved at various times in the name of progress. But the overall result, if perhaps a little sterile, is harmonious, and the attractive pedestrianized walkway continues to the luxury stores and hotels of Galería Canalejas. Some things haven’t changed. The clock on the old former post office displays Spain’s official time. When it strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, Spanish revelers begin eating a dozen grapes—one for each chime. The TV coverage and fireworks come live from Puerta del Sol.
Metro: Sol.
The transformation in recent years of Madrid’s iconic meeting place has been remarkable. Until not so long ago it was a polluted and rather seedy transport hub surrounded by flop hotels, albeit with plenty of old-time character. Now it has been regenerated as a pedestrian-only plaza with gleaming granite paving stones overlooked by an arc of restored 18th and 19th century buildings. It has also been much messed about with. The famous neon sign advertising Tío Pepe sherry was moved to another rooftop to accommodate an Apple Store. The city’s beloved statue of a bear and madroño tree, an equestrian statue of Carlos III, and even the Kilómetro Cero marker from which all road distances in Spain are measured, have all been moved at various times in the name of progress. But the overall result, if perhaps a little sterile, is harmonious, and the attractive pedestrianized walkway continues to the luxury stores and hotels of Galería Canalejas. Some things haven’t changed. The clock on the old former post office displays Spain’s official time. When it strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, Spanish revelers begin eating a dozen grapes—one for each chime. The TV coverage and fireworks come live from Puerta del Sol.
Metro: Sol.
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