The best starting-point for getting to know the city of Madrid is undoubtedly the Puerta del Sol. The four cardinal points of this gateless square lead us to four different cultures. To the north, the commercial streets; to the south, the popular and authentic Madrid of Lavapiés; to the west, the Madrid of the well-to-do classes, and to the east, along Calle Mayor and Calle Arenal,we reach the heart of the city.

Where today the Royal Palace is erected, the Arabs built their "Alcázar" or  fortress around the C8th, and to its right the first streets of Mayrit were initially planned.

Information and guide suministrated by El Consorcio de Turismo de Madrid.