Gran Via, Madrid

Gran Vía is the name of a district in Madrid that contains one of the city's most important avenue, the Gran Vía. The Gran Vía literally translates into Great Way. It is an ornate and up-market shopping street that extends from Plaza de Cibeles to Plaza de Espana. The lively street of Gran Vía is one of the city's most important shopping areas containing numerous hotels and movie theaters. However, the architectural design of the large buildings of Gran Vía makes it stand apart. While you take a walk through the crowded streets, ensure that you look up once a while to stare in admiration at the grand edifices. Gran Vía, Madrid was conceived in the 19th century by the urban planners who wished to create a thoroughfare, by connecting it to other urban hubs.

The construction of Gran Vía was completed in 1929, with latest architectural styles, one of which is the building Calle de Alcala. The most famous construction, however, is the Eidfico Metropolis which was constructed between 1907 and 1911. The original statue was replaced in the year 1975 by the statue of the winged goddess, Victory. A further walk from the Gran Vía to the left will lead you to the Eidficio Grassy another corner building with a tower. It was built in 1917 and gives you a view of the Telefonica building, a skyscraper that was built from 1926 to 1929 for the Spanish telecommunications company.

At a short distance the Gran Vía crosses the Plaza del Callao. This is the cinematic heart of Madrid, with six movie theaters. The Capitol Theater is located in the beautiful building - the Art Deco. The last segment of the Gran Vía, Madrid, constructed between 1925 and 1925, is the Plaza de Espana a large square dominated by a couple of skyscrapers.