Habsburg & Royal

The symbolic center of Spain — literally. The 'Kilómetro Cero' plaque on the pavement in front of the old post office marks the point from which all distances in Spain are measured. The square was originally the eastern gate of Madrid's 15th-century walls (hence 'Gate of the Sun'). The clock on the Casa de Correos building is where all of Spain counts down to midnight on New Year's Eve, eating twelve grapes — one per chime. The square was also the site of the 1808 uprising against Napoleon's troops, immortalized by Goya in 'The Second of May.' The bronze statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree is Madrid's official symbol.

Look for the Kilómetro Cero plaque on the ground — it's right in front of the regional government building. Every road distance in Spain is measured from this point.

Madrid's grand central square, built in 1619 under King Philip III (whose equestrian statue stands in the center). The rectangular plaza, enclosed by 237 balconies on uniform red facades, has witnessed bullfights, executions, royal coronations, Inquisition trials, and markets over four centuries. It has burned down three times and been rebuilt each time. The most ornate building is the Casa de la Panadería (Bakery House), with its frescoed facade depicting mythological figures — the current murals are from 1992, replacing earlier versions that deteriorated. The square's nine entrance archways lead into a maze of medieval streets.

Duck through the southwest arch to reach the Mercado de San Miguel — a century-old iron market converted into a gourmet food hall with tapas stalls.