Madrid is a fascinating city and there are many things to see. Here is a list of some of Madrid's most popular sights.
Gran Vía is the large central area of Madrid and a place that you shouldn't miss, special for it priceless early 20th century architecture. . It leads from Calle de Alcalá, close to Plaza de Cibeles, to Plaza de España.
The Gran Via was designed to ease traffic between the Salamanca neighborhood and Chamberí neighborhood, parallel as a trade route for the citizens of Madrid. Opened in 1910 in the presence of the mayor, José Francos Rodríguez, the prime minister, José Canalejas, and the royal family led by King Alfonso XIII.
From the beginning, malls, designer stores and movie theaters opened their doors here. Today it is well known as the Broadway of Madrid due to the large number of cinemas and theaters.
The Gran Vía has been and is the meeting point for excellence of the movie stars of the national and international cinema, renowned writers, the film premieres and the most expensive and chic parties of the city. Some people also compare it to the Fifth Avenue in New York or the boulevards of Haussmann in Paris.
Similarly, the Gran Via is a common meeting point for citizens, shopping and recreation area because of the diversity of bars, cafes, shops and theaters in the surrounding area.
The symbol of Gran Via is located in Calle Alcalá: the Metropolis Building, designed by Jules and Raymond Fevrier: in this area you will find luxury shops, boutiques and excellent restaurants.
The area up to Plaza Callao, has a more American style, with Telefónica building, Palacio de la Prensa and Palacio de la Música. The last branch reaches Plaza de España, with modern landmark buildings such as Lope de Vega and Carrión Building, also known as the Capitol. This is the Broadway Madrileña.
As historical data is important to note that the Gran Vía was the place where he created the first shopping malls and the first underground station.
Address: Palace / University, Sun / Justice, Courts / Justice
Metro: Plaza of Spain, Santo Domingo Callao Gran Vía
Bus: 1, 2, 3, 44, 46, 74, 75, 133, 146, 147, 148, 202, M2, N16, M2, N16, N18, N19, N20, N21
Images Credit:
Gran Vía Madrid por by Dimitry B Flickr Gallery
Edificio Metropolis Madrid por Dalbera Flickr Gallery
Cine Callao y Capitol en Gran Via por Chapuisat Flickr Gallery
