The idea of a grand avenue linking the centre to the surrounding neighbourhoods emerged as early as the 1890s, but was only officially approved in 1904. Construction, carried out in three sections between 1910 and 1931, required the demolition of 22 narrow streets in the historic centre.
History & origins
Gran Vía marks the arrival of vertical Madrid: the country's first skyscrapers, eclectic architecture inspired by American trends of the time. A renovation completed in 2018 widened the pavements and added a cycle lane between Callao and Plaza de España.
The first section ran from Calle Alcalá to Red de San Luis, the second to Plaza del Callao, the third to Plaza de España, each reflecting the architectural styles of its own building era. Three religious buildings had to be preserved, which shaped the avenue's route.
Heritage & architecture
The Edificio Metrópolis, built between 1907 and 1910 by French architects Jules and Raymond Février, is topped by a black slate dome rising to 45 metres, decorated with around 30,000 gold leaves. The sculpture that crowns it, a Winged Victory by Federico Coullaut Valera installed in 1977, replaced an original phoenix. The Edificio Telefónica, inaugurated in 1929, was the first true skyscraper in Europe, reaching around 89 metres.
Edificio Metrópolis
Golden dome · 1910Winged Victory (1977), on the corner of Alcalá/Gran Vía.
Edificio Telefónica
First skyscraper in Europe · 1929Today home to Espacio Fundación Telefónica, open to the public.
Edificio Carrión (Capitol)
Historic cinema and neon signageHome to the Capitol cinema and the famous Schweppes clock sign.
Edificio Grassy
Modernist façadeDistinctive floral motifs.
Culture & living traditions
Gran Vía is home to several historic theatres still in operation, with a regularly refreshed line-up of musicals. The avenue has 92 shops and 73 restaurants recorded by the tourist office, along with several bike-share stations and five metro lines nearby.
Suggested itinerary
Morning · 10am–1pm: Architecture
Start at the corner of Alcalá/Gran Vía in front of the Edificio Metrópolis, walk up the avenue to Plaza del Callao.
Afternoon · 1pm–7pm: Shopping and a break
Shops and lunch on the avenue, then Fundación Telefónica if open, on to Plaza de España.
Evening · 7pm onwards: A show
Theatre or musical, then a last drink on one of the avenue's terraces.
Suggested itinerary, not field-tested.
Frequently asked questions
When was Gran Vía built?
In three stages between 1910 and 1931.
What does the statue atop the Edificio Metrópolis represent?
A Winged Victory installed in 1977, which replaced an original phoenix.
Is Gran Vía a good base for shopping?
Yes: 92 shops and 73 restaurants recorded on the avenue according to the tourist office.
How much does a night in Gran Vía cost?
$164/night median, one of the best-placed neighbourhoods for shopping and theatres. GBP prices on this page are converted from EUR at an approximate rate (27 Aug 2026) — to be reconfirmed before publication.
Is Gran Vía noisy at night?
The avenue stays lively late, between theatres, restaurants and traffic.
