Photos

The Puerta del Sol - the busiest square in Madrid, contains a number of well known sights associated both domestically and internationally with Spain. On the south side, the old Post Office serves as the office of the President of Madrid, the head of the regional government of the Autonomous Community of Madrid (not to be confused with the Madrid City Council, which is housed elsewhere).

This red brick building was erected in 1768 as the city's main post office after a design by the French architect Jacques Marquet. The clock tower was added later, in 1866. The clock is the famous clock all Spaniards turn their eyes to on New Year's Eve, guzzling down a grape to each of it's twelve chimes at midnight. Millions watch on TV and what sometimes seems like millions more brave the cold here in the square.
In the 19th century the building housed the Interior Ministry. Later, during the regime of dictator Franco it served as the headquarters of the Security Police, who imprisoned political dissidents here. Today the stately building houses the regional government of Madrid. In front of the Casa de Correos, on the pavement, is the 'kilometer 0' plaque, marking the center of the Spanish road network. It is the starting point from where all the highway distances are measured.