Sites of Interest

Puerta del Sol (Gate of the Sun)

In the 17th century Plaza Mayor was constructed and the Puerta del Sol (Gate of the Sun) became the spiritual heart of not only Madrid but all of Spain. It is the centrally located and is the starting point for any tour of the city. On the southern side, a small a small bronze plaque marks km 0, the point from which distances along the country's highways are measured. The main building on the square is the Casa de Correos, where the regional government of the Comunidad de Madrid convenes. An equestrian statue of Bourbon king Carlos III stands in the middle of the junction. Just across the street is a statue of a bear nuzzling a strawberry tree is also a symbol of the city. Outside the gate, where Calle de Alcala and Carrera de San Jeronimo meet is the church of Buen Suceso, in front of which is a fountain topped by a statue of Diana.

Plaza Mayor

Built during the reign of Felipe III in the 17th century, Plaza Mayor is a well preserved and extremely beautiful square. An equestrian statue of Felipe lies at the center of the Plaza. Thee Casa de la Panadería, with its twin towers and spires built in Flemish style majestically adorns the plaza. For centuries the square was the center of several historic events. Political demonstrations, market fairs, festivals, bull fights and executions were all conducted in the square.

Plaza de Cibeles

Plaza de Cibeles lies at the convergence of Alcala, Paseo del Prado and Paseo de Los Recoletos. At the center is a wonderful fountain dedicated to the goddess Cybele. The bank of Spain has its main office in the plaza with the imposing golden sphere on the roof. The main post and telegraph office of Madrid, Palacio de Comunicaciones, and Casa de Las Americas a cultural center also lies in the Plaza.

El Parque del Buen Retiro

The ideal place for a picnic or a family gathering is the Parque de Buen Retiro. It has beautiful gardens with colorful flowers, neat pathways with trees, fountains and monuments. There is also a small lake where you can go boating. There are several small stalls and coffee shops which sell refreshments.

Palacio Real (Royal Palace)

Palacio Real was the residence of royalty in the 18th century including Alfonso the thirteenth. The palace contains a library with a fantastic collection of books and manuscripts. It is also the palace with the largest number of rooms in Europe. Other items on display include paintings, weapons, spanish tapestries, carvings, decorations, portraits, statues and personal items of the royalty collected over centuries.

Alcala Gate (Puerta de Alcala), Cerralbo Museum, Ermita de San Antonio, San Jeronimo el Real, Juan Carlos I Convention Center and Teatro Real (Opera House) are a few other interesting sites worth visiting.

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