Discover Madrid’s Unmissable Icons
Madrid, the capital of Spain, is a city brimming with history, culture, and beauty. In every corner of this bustling metropolis, you’ll find iconic landmarks that are truly unmissable. In this article, we invite you to take a virtual stroll through some of Madrid’s most prominent icons that you should visit on your next trip to this charming city.
Before we begin, we’d like to remind you that you can enjoy a complete tour of each of these unmissable icons, with pickup and return to your hotel, leaving you with nothing to worry about except enjoying your experience.
1. The Tío Pepe Sign
Located in the famous Puerta del Sol, the Tío Pepe sign is a luminous icon that lights up the Madrid night. This neon sign, featuring a typical Spanish gentleman holding a bottle of Jerez, has been a part of the city’s skyline for decades. Although it’s not currently in its original location, it remains within the square that has admired it since 1935. Don’t miss the chance to take a photo next to this legendary sign and enjoy a glass of wine in the vicinity.
2. Schweppes: The Fountain of Refreshing History
The Schweppes advertisement that crowns the Carrión building in Madrid’s Callao Square is another landmark you can’t miss. This retro-lit fountain, adorned with the Schweppes logo, has been shining continuously for over 50 years, adding a touch of nostalgia to this historic square.
3. Kilometer Zero (KM 0)
Kilometer Zero is the starting point of all radial roads in Spain and is located in the heart of the city, in Puerta del Sol. This milestone represents the country’s geographical center and has become a symbolic meeting point for Madrileños and visitors alike. In the same square, you can find the famous statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree, the city’s symbol.
4. The Majestic Puerta de Alcalá
Another unmissable icon of Madrid is the Puerta de Alcalá, a stunning monumental gate built in the 18th century. This neoclassical structure by Italian sculptor Francisco Sabatini is located in Independence Square and is an architectural marvel that will leave you speechless. It’s one of the five gates that provided access to the town of Madrid, and its name “de Alcalá” indicates that it was situated on the road leading to another significant town of the era, Alcalá de Henares. It’s worth noting that the Puerta de Alcalá predates monuments like the Arc de Triomphe in Paris or the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.
5. Cibeles Fountain: City’s Symbol
The Cibeles Fountain is a monument that pays tribute to the goddess Cibeles, symbolizing Earth, agriculture, and fertility. This fountain is one of Madrid’s most iconic symbols and a place where Real Madrid fans celebrate their team’s victories. In addition to its historical significance, the fountain is a sculpture masterpiece worth admiring. In the same square as the fountain, you can find other buildings worthy of a visit, such as the former Post Office Building (now the City Hall of Madrid) and the Linares Palace.
In summary, Madrid is filled with cultural icons and emblematic places that make this city truly unforgettable. Whether you’re exploring history at Kilometer Zero, enjoying a snack near the Tío Pepe sign, or marveling at the architecture of the Puerta de Alcalá, every corner of Madrid has something special to offer. So, when you visit the capital of Spain, make sure to mark these unmissable tourist spots on your list and enjoy everything that Madrid has to offer. Good luck on your next Madrid adventure!