La Gran Vía and the tourist road more famous and popular in Spain, or at least a Madrid. When it was first conceived, it was primarily intended for entertainment, with cinemas, theaters, musicals, nightclubs and bars. Its construction began in 1910 and was completed in 1931. During this time it went on to take on the different architectural styles from Europe.
The Gran Vía begins in the west in the Plaza de España and ends in the east at the intersection with Calle de Alcalá and contains a spectacular architecture made of railings, grates, windows, statues, domes, art noveau and a lot of modernism. A feast for the eyes and especially for those who love Spanish architecture.
Gran Via is the street that never sleeps, always full of tourists, at any time of day or night.
Buildings and places of interest
- Il Palazzo Metropolis - is one of the most representative buildings and is located on the corner of Calle Alcalá. This building is distinguished by its slate dome, surmounted by an angel ready to soar in flight.
- Palace Telefónica - is another prestigious building. When it was inaugurated in 1929 it became the first skyscraper in Madrid and thanks to its 81 meters it could be contemplated from anywhere in the city.
- Il Capitol Hill - a building linked to German Expressionism and New York skyscrapers. This multifunctional building was built to house a large amphitheater that served as an opera, concert and variety room, and a commercial area covered with cafes and restaurants, offices, apartments and a hotel.
- Plaza de Callao - there is a high concentration of cinemas here, especially during the 20s. From Callao, there are two pedestrian streets that lead directly to Puerta del Sol.
- The Gran Vía ends nella Plaza of Spain, created in the 20s to ventilate the old city. The Plaza de España is one of the largest squares in the city and is lined with the first skyscrapers built in Madrid in the 50s: Madrid Tower e Building Spain.
Is always interesting to walk down the street and look at the roofs of these impressive buildings, since many of them are richly decorated and often possess large statues resting on the roof cornice.
Near the Gran Via
From Gran Vía you can visit one of the most romantic places in Madrid, The famous Temple of Debod (near Plaza de España), a gift from Egypt to Spain in 1968, dating back over 2200 years.
A few meters from the Gran via is the Puerta del Sol, a place of congregation of the people of Madrid at different moments in its history. Very close to the Puerta del Sol is the famous Plaza Mayor of Madrid, whose 129 meters long and 94 wide and 9 entrances, form one of the most famous squares in Spain.
Nearby is also the Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral, must-see places for all tourists visiting the city of Madrid.
Metro stops
The metro is the most convenient way to get to Gran Vía. The metro lines to take are:
Lines 1, 5 - Gran Vía station
Lines 3, 5 - Callao station
Line 2 - Santo Domingo station
Where to sleep on Gran Vía
La Gran Vía is also one of the best areas to sleep in Madrid. There are good hotels on both sides of the road and in the surrounding area. The hotels with entrance directly on Gran Vía are all class hotel (4 and 5 stars) and with medium-high rates, while it is enough to find a hotel a few steps from Gran Vía to be able save over 50%.
Find accommodation or a hotel on Gran Vía or nearby
