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Info on Madrid's Famous Avenue, Gran Via

History of Madrid's Most Famous Avenue, Gran Via

by Andre Nakazawa
Anything with the word “grand” in its name had better live up to this lofty title. The main thoroughfare of Madrid, Gran Via, does just that. Conceived in the mid 19th century...

Gran Via
by Andre Nakazawa

The Metropolis Building - by Kike

Anything with the word “grand” in its name had better live up to this lofty title. The main thoroughfare of Madrid, Gran Via, does just that. Conceived in the mid 19th century but not begun until 1904, Gran Via has grown to boast some of the largest buildings in Madrid as well as a plethora of theatres and big-name storefronts.

Officially, the street makes its way from Plaza de Cibeles to the Plaza de España. Surprisingly walkable, but almost always packed, it makes for great people watching.

This stately stretch is often labeled the “Spanish Broadway” and with good reason. In terms of the number of musical shows that premiere in the world, Madrid ranks third, and the majority of such premiers take place at one of the numerous theaters that line it such as the Teatro Gran Via and the Teatro Principe Gran Via.

Two of Madrid’s landmark buildings lie on Gran Via: the Metropolis and the Edificio Carrión Capitol building, better known as the Schweppes building, because of the huge neon Schweppes sign that is plastered its front. The Metropolis was built between 1907 and 1911 and is known for the winged statue of the Roman goddess of Victory that adorns the top of it; the original was replaced in 1975.

Although Gran Via is notoriously associated by some with the string of prostitutes who sit at its intersection with Monterra, the glamour of towering five-star hotels and other landmark buildings outweighs these aspects.

While planning the nationalist assault on Madrid during the Civil War in 1936, the Spanish general in charge of the attack, General Mola, boasted that he would drink a cup of coffee on the Gran Via the day of the battle. Perhaps he opted for coffee because, even though Gran Via does many things well, food is not its forte. For a better sense of Spanish cuisine and definitely better prices, see our Food & Tapas section.

Abounding with history, Gran Via is a must see for any first time visitor to Madrid. The full paseo from Cibeles to Plaza de España offers plenty of photo opportunities for every wide-eyed tourist.