Travel Tips - Historic-sights in Spain

The large plaza called Puerta del Sol is Madrid’s historical center. There is even a small metal plaque embedded on one of the plaza’s streets marking Madrid’s Km. 0, the point from which all of Madrid’s major streets begin, as well as the starting point of Spain’s four national roads.

The plaza is home to several Madrid landmarks, including the Real Casa de Correos, which used to be a post office but is now HQ for the Autonomous Community of Madrid, and the statues of King Carlos III, called “The Mayor of Madrid” for the improvements he made to the city, and el oso y el madroño (the bear and hackberry tree), the official symbol of the City of Madrid. Also located in the plaza are the infamous Tio Pepe billboard and the historic Mallorquina café and bakery.