In the heart of Madrid, work has begun to dismantle the sunshades that this summer covered part of Puerta del Sol. The removal started late in the evening and, according to city officials, will take about three weeks. The reason for the lengthy process is the complex mounting system, the numerous elements, and the need to carefully detach the canopies from building facades.
The total cost of the project, which includes not only dismantling but also subsequent cleaning, storage, and possible repairs, is estimated at around 200,000 euros. The authorities plan to reinstall the canopies only next spring, when the heat returns to Madrid.
Since these structures appeared in the square, debates have not subsided. The project cost the budget 1.5 million euros and took nearly two years to complete because every detail had to comply with heritage protection requirements. In the end, the canopies covered only a small part of the large square, which disappointed many residents and opposition politicians.
Critics argue that city officials have taken too long to address the lack of shade on the renovated square. After the large-scale reconstruction, 12,000 square meters of open space remain without a single tree. Officials explain the delays as a result of the need to coordinate with heritage protection authorities, since the square is considered a cultural landmark.
City hall officials insist that the canopies have proven effective: temperatures underneath dropped by several degrees, and the square itself became more comfortable for both locals and tourists. However, the opposition argues that such measures are only a temporary solution and cannot address the issues of urban overheating and climate change. In their view, a true “green” transformation is impossible due to the square’s structural features: just 20 centimeters beneath the surface lies a concrete slab, and below that is the capital’s largest transport interchange.
While city authorities continue to emphasize the canopies’ effectiveness, residents and politicians debate the future of Madrid’s main square. The question of how to make the city center more comfortable and resilient to heat remains unresolved.
