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Street · Madri, Comunidade de Madri
Gran Vía
Avenue opened between 1910 and 1929 to link Calle de Alcalá with Plaza de España. It stretches 1.3 km with early 20th-century buildings, cinemas, theaters and shops.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Gran Vía
Gran Vía was approved in 1904 and built in three sections between 1910 and 1929. Its construction erased several old streets in the city centre. The result is a 1.3 km avenue that links Calle de Alcalá to Plaza de España, passing through Plaza del Callao.
The avenue's start is marked by the Edificio Metrópolis, built between 1907 and 1911 by French architects Jules and Raymond Février, with a dark dome and a winged statue of Victory on top.
In the middle section stands the Edificio Telefónica, built between 1926 and 1929, reaching 88 metres. Designed by Ignacio de Cárdenas, it was for years Madrid's tallest building. Further on, in Plaza del Callao, the Edificio Carrión, in Art Déco style, houses the Cine Capitol and the Schweppes sign.
The avenue concentrated the city's major cinemas in the 20th century. Today several have become shops, but Gran Vía still hosts theatres that run long-running musicals. The final stretch descends to Plaza de España, where Edificio España and Torre de Madrid stand.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
An hour to walk from end to end, with stops.
Best time
In the late afternoon and at night, with the neon signs lit and the theaters open. On weekends the sidewalks get crowded.
How to get there
Gran Vía (lines 1 and 5), Callao (lines 3 and 5) and Plaza de España (lines 2, 3 and 10) metro stations run along the avenue. From Puerta del Sol it's a five-minute walk via Calle de Preciados or Calle de la Montera.
Tip
Start at the Edificio Metrópolis end on Calle de Alcalá and walk down to Plaza de España, which is lower. Look up: the façade details are on the upper floors.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Gran Vía
What to see on the Gran Vía?
The Edificio Metrópolis at the start, the Edificio Telefónica in the middle, and the Edificio Carrión with the Schweppes sign at Plaza del Callao. At the end is Plaza de España.
When was the Gran Vía built?
Between 1910 and 1929, in three stages. The avenue is 1.3 km long.
Can you see a musical on the Gran Vía?
Yes. Several theaters on the avenue host long-running musicals in Spanish. Buy tickets in advance.
What's the best time to stroll?
Late afternoon and early evening, when the lights turn on and the avenue becomes lively.