A tour of the main streets and squares in the center of Madrid

THE MAIN SQUARE

Just 5 minutes from Puerta del Sol, the authentic center of Madrid, we find this emblematic place. Throughout its long history, the Plaza Mayor has witnessed shows, executions, markets, and was even used as a bullring.

At present, it is a meeting point for travellers, a place to relax for the people of Madrid, and to party, as popular concerts are often held inside.

On Sunday mornings the Philatelic and Numismatic Market is held and every day there are multitudes of painters, caricaturists and mimes working in the street and giving it life.

In the month of December, the Plaza hosts the traditional Christmas market and the city's Nativity scene is placed there.

THE GATE OF THE SUN

In La Puerta del Sol is the so-called Kilometer Zero of the Spanish radial roads. Among its buildings, the Clock of the Casa de Correos stands out, which was built and donated in the 19th century by José Rodríguez de Losada, and whose chimes at 12 o'clock at night on December 31 mark New Year's Eve and the arrival of the new year, with the traditional taking of the twelve grapes by the Spaniards.

Another important landmark in this square is the Statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree, a symbol of Madrid.

THE GREAT ROAD

It is the most famous and portrayed street in Madrid. Alfonso XIII had it created in 1910 to unite the east of Madrid with the west, in a grandiose and colossal work that lasted for many years. Since its inception it has been known by the nickname of Madrid Broadway due to the proliferation of countless cinemas and theaters along its sidewalks.