Royal House of the Post Office facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Royal House of the Post Office |
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Real Casa de Correos
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| General information | |
| Location | Puerta del Sol 7, Madrid, Spain |
| Completed | 1768 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Jaime Marquet |
The Royal House of the Post Office (Spanish: Real Casa de Correos) is an old building in Puerta del Sol, Madrid. It was built in the 1700s. It was first used for the postal service. Today, it is the main office for the President of the Community of Madrid. This person is the leader of the regional government of Madrid. This building is different from the one where the City Council of Madrid meets. That building is also an old post office, called the Cybele Palace.
History of the Building
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Before this building was here, about 30 smaller houses stood in this spot. In the 1750s, this area was cleared. This was part of a plan to develop the Puerta del Sol square.
A Spanish architect named Ventura Rodríguez first drew plans for a main post office. But a new king, Charles III, came to power in 1760. Ventura Rodríguez lost his royal support. So, a French architect named Jacques Marquet designed the building instead. Work on the Royal House of the Post Office began in the late 1760s.
For some time, a tower on the roof was part of Spain's optical telegraphy system. This was a way to send messages quickly over long distances using signals.
Later, the building was used by a security directorate during a period known as Francoist Spain. This was a time when Spain was ruled by a dictator. People who disagreed with the government were sometimes held in the building's basement.
The Famous Clock Tower
On top of the building, there is a large clock. Queen Isabel II officially started the clock in 1866. This clock is very important in Spain.
Every New Year's Eve, people in most of Spain watch this clock. They eat Twelve Grapes as the clock's bells ring at midnight. This tradition marks the start of a new year. Spanish TV channels have shown these celebrations live since 1962.
Kilometer Zero Mark
Right in front of the Royal House of the Post Office, there is a special plate on the ground. This plate marks "kilometer 0". It is the starting point for all of Madrid's streets. It is also the official starting point for many of Spain's main roads.
See also
In Spanish: Real Casa de Correos para niños
