Gran Via (Madrid)

 

 

Gran Via – A Regal Avenue of Majestic Buildings

 

The Gran Via is the most impressive and graceful of Madrid’s major thoroughfares and is the city’s commercial heart, filled with large flagship shopping centres and department stores. It is a long wide avenue connecting Calle de Alcalá with the Plaza de España and like most major construction projects in the city, was decades in the making. Built in sections from the turn of the 20th century, it is home to some of the capital’s most majestic buildings encompassing art nouveau, Romanesque and ornate art deco styles. A Madrid city break can admire a wealth of history and architecture simply by strolling along its sidewalk.

 

 

Gran Via – Imposing City Skyscrapers

 

The buildings of Gran Via are typically grand and the most famous landmark of all is the historic Metropolis Building. Heading towards Plaza de España, the towering Telefónica Building is a quintessential art deco skyscraper that wouldn’t look out of place in New York City and the Edificio Grassy is another major architectural gem worth admiring. Halfway along the avenue is the Plaza del Callao, Madrid’s famous cinema district which includes the stunning art deco landmark of the Capitol Theatre. Madrid weekend breaks can still soak up the elegance and glamour of its 1950s heyday in its legendary venues such as the Chicote cocktail bar and the many elegant cafes that seem to have been part of the Madrid landscape forever. 

 

 

Gran Via – Madrid’s Liveliest Shopping District

 

The Gran Via is thronged with sightseers and shoppers every day of the week and offers Spain’s most upscale selection of designer boutiques and gift stores. It provides a mixture of huge all under one roof emporiums and smaller designer boutiques, along with a smattering of stylish pavement diners. A Madrid short break can browse the imposing Casa del LibroIf store for books or head to nearby Calle Fuencarral, home to the city’s hottest urban fashion stores.