Sol under construction: Real Casa de Correos is restored after four decades as the Madrid regional government's headquarters

Madrid never stops changing, not even in its most photographed corners. From the end of July, the oldest building in Puerta del Sol, Real Casa de Correos, will begin refurbishment work that will last approximately four months. The reason: to commemorate the 40 years since it became the headquarters of the regional government and to guarantee its conservation for the future. Although the intervention will not alter pedestrian life in the square, it will change its appearance temporarily. The main façade will be hidden behind a decorative canvas that will imitate the building's original appearance while ornamental elements are repaired and the roof is renewed. The internal roof will also undergo technical improvements. Despite the scaffolding, the iconic clock will continue to operate normally, a detail that is not negotiable when it concerns Madrid's symbolic heart.

Built in the 18th century, Real Casa de Correos has witnessed centuries of history from its central balcony and is one of the buildings most laden with urban memory in the capital. This restoration responds not only to technical needs, but also forms part of a broader strategy to reinforce the value of the city's architectural heritage for Madrileños and visitors. Meanwhile, the square continues to be a setting for urban-planning debate. The work at Casa de Correos is joined by the recent installation of removable awnings to mitigate the summer heat, in a space where planting trees is almost impossible because of the underground structures. Thus, Sol once again becomes the perfect reflection of a city in constant tension between tradition, functionality and modernisation.