The political center of the country is given around this square. And not just because the parliament is here, where laws and budgets of the state are debated and approved, but because the streets around there are plenty of restaurants where political agreements are made and unmade.
This square with the statue of Miguel de Cervantes in its center, is located between three streets: Carrera de San Jeronimo which starts in Puerta del Sol, Calle del Prado which communicates with Plaza de Santa Ana, the center of the Barrio de Las Letras, and Calle Duque de Medinaceli where is located the famous Church of the "Cristo de Medinaceli" who is said it makes miracles eache first friday of the month.
Around the square there are some important buildings, the Parliament (Congreso de los Diputados) with its staircase, its two lions (Daoiz and Velarde) and its impressive neoclassical facade.
Other important building is the Palace Hotel, but surely the most important attraction is the building carillon clock Goupama which sounds at various times of day and in which animated dolls folklore of Madrid appear as King Carlos III, Goya and the Duchess of Alba.
From this place and to the east you can see one of the most beautiful sunrises in Madrid with the Neptune fountain, the Church of the Jeronimos with its two Gothic towers between two important buildings: The Hotel Ritz and the Prado Museum, and and in the background the "Cason del Buen Retiro". read more