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PUERTA DEL SOL
A view of the Puerta del Sol with the equestrian statue of King Carlos III.
The Puerta del Sol (Sun Gate) is one of the most well-known and crowded places of Madrid.
Here you can find some of the most distinguished symbols of the city such as the bronze statue of the bear and the strawberry tree, the Kilometer Zero marking on the ground from which all the main roads of Spain radiate, the equestrian statue of Carlos III, and the famous "Tio Pepe" sign.
The Puerta del Sol also serves as a meeting point for many madrileños who gather below the clock that dominates the square in order to celebrate La Nochevieja (New Year's Eve).
It is a Spanish tradition to eat 12 grapes during the final countdown, one on each chime of the clock, and the New Year's celebrations are broadcast live on TV.
Nearest metro station: Sol (Lines 1 and 2).
Photos
A view from Calle del Carmen.
In the foreground is the statue of the bear and the strawberry tree, Madrid's coat of arms.
This is the Kilometer Zero marking on the ground from which all the main roads of Spain radiate.
It has faded away with time, but it still reads: "Origen de las carreteras radiales".
Photo taken in June 2006.
Sol metro station.
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