Sol Hotels
in Madrid
Sol
Sol is the centre. Not only of Madrid but the entire country. Stand at KM 0 and contemplate Francos vision of a centralized Spain. With the Plaza Mayor ; The Royal Palace and Atocha train station just around the corner it is the perfect meeting point, be careful not to trust the old post office clock though, for years it was known as the least reliable clock in town until an English clockmaker stayed in a hotel overlooking this chronomic calamity and decided to make a working clock in London and send it over as a gift. Its a good thing he did because at midnight every New Year's Eve, millions of Madrilenos count down the seconds and stuff 12 grapes into their mouth for good luck. Apart from this local tradition once a year the area is full of shops and very touristy. Apart from the old fashioned pastry shop La Mallorquina, an essential emblem of sol where grannies bid ruthlessly for cream filled goodies, this area could be anywhere in Europe, the only clue its Spain is the hot sun which shines down on the square from dawn till dusk.
The recent social stirrings and assemblies of May this year reflect the squares history as a meeting place for great minds such as Miguel de Cervantes and Lope de Vega. They whiled away hours debating and gossiping beside the fountains and in the cafes. You can still eavesdrop on chit chat in this pedestrianised landmark.
Whether you want to shop till you drop or relax at siesta time and sample the city's buzzing atmosphere, Sol is a great place to begin your exploration of this vibrant, cosmopolitan city. .
Sol is the centre. Not only of Madrid but the entire country. Stand at KM 0 and contemplate Francos vision of a centralized Spain. With the Plaza Mayor ; The Royal Palace and Atocha train station just around the corner it is the perfect meeting point, be careful not to trust the old post office clock though, for years it was known as the least reliable clock in town until an English clockmaker stayed in a hotel overlooking this chronomic calamity and decided to make a working clock in London and send it over as a gift. Its a good thing he did because at midnight every New Year's Eve, millions of Madrilenos count down the seconds and stuff 12 grapes into their mouth for good luck. Apart from this local tradition once a year the area is full of shops and very touristy. Apart from the old fashioned pastry shop La Mallorquina, an essential emblem of sol where grannies bid ruthlessly for cream filled goodies, this area could be anywhere in Europe, the only clue its Spain is the hot sun which shines down on the square from dawn till dusk.
The recent social stirrings and assemblies of May this year reflect the squares history as a meeting place for great minds such as Miguel de Cervantes and Lope de Vega. They whiled away hours debating and gossiping beside the fountains and in the cafes. You can still eavesdrop on chit chat in this pedestrianised landmark.
Whether you want to shop till you drop or relax at siesta time and sample the city's buzzing atmosphere, Sol is a great place to begin your exploration of this vibrant, cosmopolitan city. .