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The secret guardians of the Puerta del Sol clock: three decades of precision
Meet the caretakers of Spain’s most famous clock: three clockmakers who climb 43 steps every week to keep the mechanism that is key to New Year’s Eve running smoothly.
The clock at the Real Casa de Correos, in the Puerta del Sol, marks the start of New Year’s Eve for millions of Spaniards every year. Behind its flawless operation are three clockmakers who have spent nearly thirty years looking after it: Jesús López-Terradas and the brothers Pedro y Santiago Ortiz Rey.
Each week, these experts climb the 43 steps of the narrow spiral staircase that leads to the mechanism. Their work is essential to ensure the chimes sound on time and without fail, keeping alive one of the country’s most iconic traditions.
The Puerta del Sol clock is not only a symbol of Madrid, but also a national reference point. Thanks to the dedication of these sentinels, year after year the whole country can celebrate the turn of the year to the rhythm of its chimes.