Great Way

The Gran Vía of Madrid, one of the most iconic and lively streets in the Spanish capital, is a symbol of modernity and dynamism, combining history, architecture, and culture in a vibrant urban mosaic. This artery, approximately 1,300 meters long, connects Calle de Alcalá to Plaza de España and is often compared to New York’s Broadway for its lively atmosphere and for being the center of Madrid’s theater and cinema. The history of Gran Vía begins in the late 19th century, when the city of Madrid was seeking to modernize and improve urban infrastructure. The project was approved in 1904, but construction only began in 1910 and lasted for more than two decades, ending in 1931. The construction of Gran Vía was a titanic endeavor that required the demolition of over 300 buildings and the realignment of numerous streets. This massive urbanization project was conceived to improve circulation in central Madrid and create a high-level commercial and cultural space. Architecturally, Gran Vía is an open-air museum that reflects the stylistic changes of the 20th century. Each section of the street features a mix of architectural styles, from neoclassical to Art Deco, from modernism to eclecticism. Along the way, one can admire emblematic buildings such as the Metrópolis Building, a masterpiece of neo-Baroque architecture with its characteristic dome topped by the statue of the Winged Victory. Further along, the Grassy Building, with its elegant modernist façade, and the Telefónica Building, an 89-meter skyscraper that was the tallest in Madrid at its inauguration in 1929, testify to the influence of American architecture. Gran Vía is also the pulsating heart of Madrid’s cultural life. Throughout the 20th century, it became the center of city entertainment, hosting numerous theaters and cinemas that earned it the nickname of the “Spanish Broadway.” Theaters like the Lope de Vega and the Teatro Coliseum continue to host musicals and international shows, keeping the street’s theatrical tradition alive. Historic cinemas like the Capitol Cinema and the Palacio de la Prensa have seen the premieres of many films, contributing to making Gran Vía a reference point for cinema lovers. Politically, Gran Vía has experienced moments of great change. During the Second Spanish Republic, the street was renamed Avenida de la C.N.T., in honor of the anarchist union, and later Avenida de Rusia during the Civil War, due to Soviet support for the Republic. With the advent of the Francoist regime, the street was named after José Antonio Primo de Rivera, founder of the Falange. Only in 1981, with the return of democracy, did it regain its original name, Gran Vía, a symbol of a Spain looking to the future while keeping an eye on the past. Social life along Gran Vía is equally vibrant. The street is a shopping center with shops of all kinds, from luxury boutiques to department stores like El Corte Inglés. Restaurants, bars, and cafes enliven the street day and night, offering a taste of Madrid’s lively nightlife. The recent renovation in 2018 further improved the street’s accessibility, with wider sidewalks, bike lanes, and green spaces that invite pedestrians to explore every corner. An interesting anecdote concerns the construction of the famous Carrión Building, also known as the Capitol Building. This building, with its iconic Schweppes neon sign, is a symbol of Gran Vía. During its construction in the 1930s, it was used as a set for many films, becoming a cultural landmark not only for the people of Madrid but also for filmmakers from around the world. Gran Vía is also witness to significant historical events. During the Spanish Civil War, it was one of the most heavily bombed areas, with many buildings damaged or destroyed. Despite this, the street has always managed to rise again, maintaining its central role in the city’s life.