Gran Via

Lively Gran Via is the heart of Madrid and known as the street that never sleeps. This grand boulevard runs from Calle de Alcalá to the Plaza de España, and is lined with shops, hotels and movie theatres. Planning for Gran Via commenced mid 19th century but it was many decades before building started around 1906. The last section of the street was completed in 1929.

Construction of a the new road provided architects with the opportunity to design large and prominent buildings in the latest styles. As a result Gran Via is now considered a showcase of early 20th century architecture. The most famous building in the street is the Edificio Metrópolis or Metropolis Building, built between 1907 and 1911. The original statue that crowned this building was replaced by the current winged Goddess Victory in 1975.

The best view of these beautiful buildings is from the top of a double-decker bus where I was able to zoom in and capture some of their amazing detail.