Plaza de España & Gran Vía, Madrid
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Plaza de España, Madrid - by ddzphoto from Pixabay
Description
Plaza de España is a very large square (3.7ha) located at the western end of Madrid's Gran Vía. It was designed in the 18th century and the Cervantes Monument in the center of the square was built in 1915, on the occasion of the third centenary of the publication of part II of Don Quixote. Other highlights include the 142m Madrid Tower (Torre de Madrid) and the 117m Spain Building (Edificio España) both built in the 1950's. The Gran Vía is one of the city's main shopping areas, the avenue/promenade links Calle de Alcalá (close to Plaza de Cibeles) to Plaza de España. It was designed in the late 19th century, but construction only started in 1910 with buildings mixing a range of revival architectures. Notable structures include the 88m Telefónica Building (the first European skyscraper), the Metropolis Building (at the corner of Gran Vía and C. de Alcalá), the brick-clad Palacio de la Prensa (the Press Palace) and the Madrid-Paris Building.
Access & Transport
There are 5 metro stations along the way and bus stops on Gran Vía; from west to east: Plaza de España (3, 10), Santo Domingo (2), Callao (3, 5), Gran Vía (1, 5) and Banco de España (2).
Instructions & Recommendations
Following Gran Via is a very efficient way to connect the Retiro Park / Cibeles Palace area with the Plaza de España and the Malasaña neighbourhood; possibly throwing in a detour to the Western Park to take a break and visit the Egyptian Temple of Debod.
Environmental & Social
It is an urban and commercial environment with relatively high electricity consumption Slightly negative from a social perspective because of the heavy focus on commercial activities driven by big brands, chains and advertising - although it helps preserve the city's architectural heritage.
Conclusion
Gran Vía is a real attraction in our opinion; it is mostly known as a shopping destination, but we also look at it as the incarnation of the city's shift into modernity: gone are the narrow roads and medieval or classical architecture - replaced by 20th century early high-rises, skyscrapers and department stores with new ways to move, shop and work. Plaza de España is interesting but works best in tandem with Gran Via.
Key positive
Extensive choice for shopping
Well connected to the public transport network
Some buildings with interesting early 20th century architecture
Key negative
Plaza de España is not of interest until renovation works are completed
Crowded in the evenings and on weekends
Suitability
No restrictions
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
June 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 15m
est. visit time:1h 30m
Sunrise / early morningNo
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightOk
Night – aft. midnightNo