With more than 3 million habitants in the municipal and 6 million in the whole metrolitan area, the Spanish capital and Madrid region is the third most populated area in the European Union. Home to the government, institutions and ministries, the Royal Palace and, together with Barcelona, is considered one of the principal cultural centres housing the Prado musuem, Thyssen- Bornemisza and Queen Sofia. Known for its night life since the 80s this city holds its name for being the city which never sleeps....
Large central area of Madrid, Gran Via is lined with shops, cinemas, theaters and famous buildings. From the Callao Square there is a dense network of pedestrian streets leading to the Puerta del Sol.
HISTORY: The Gran Vía was designed as a trade route for the citizens of Madrid and opened in 1910. Long ago, elegant shopping malls, shops and cinemas opened their doors here. Today it is known as the Broadway of Madrid because of the huge amount of cinemas and theatres.
ATMOSPHERE: This is a very central zone, which fully reflects the madriliean style and hosts, among other things, some of the most popular landmarks of the city. Ideal for shopping, Gran Vía is also undoubtedly one of the best places to find an apartment in Madrid, thanks to its strategic location in the heart of the city.
PLACES: The symbol of Gran Via is located on Calle Alcalá: the Metropolis Building, designed by Jules and Raymond Fevrier. In this area you will find luxury shops, boutiques and others. The second section, up to Plaza Callao, has a more American style, with the 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.
The Gran Vía reaches Plaza de España through the central fountain monument of Miguel de Cervantes, surrounded by the Casa Gallardo, Edificio de la Compañía Asturiana de Minas, Torre de Madrid (142 meters) and the Building España (117 meters).
The square leads to the Royal Palace along the street Bailen: close by there are Campo del Moro gardens, los Sabatini Gardens and the Oeste Park with its magnificent temple of Debod.
