Sol Madrid is the area of the city that is located in and around Puerta del Sol ('Gate of the Sun') in Madrid's historic centre. Originating from the 15th century when the gate was located to the east of the city, the current location dates back to the 19th century and is semi oval in shape and dotted with a number of interesting statues, buildings and artefacts.
Two of the most striking and famous sights located on the Puerta del Sol include the statue of King Carlos III and the 'El Oso y El Madrono' which is the official symbol of Madrid - a 20-tonne bear reaching up to eat fruit from a tree. The square is also the location for 'kilometre 0'; a plaque which marks the epicentre of Spain's road network and from where all major highways in the country are measured.
The square is awash with activity day and night, with office workers, tourists, street performers and strollers all jostling for space across the large pedestrianised concourse, with the constant whirl of traffic crawling slowly but noisily around the outskirts. At night, the place is equally vibrant thanks to an abundance of thriving nightspots and the ever-popular Latina Barrio. A number of excellent hotels, shops, bars and restaurants can also be found in the tight streets that extend in all directions from the square.
