Gran Via in Madrid

Gran Via, often called 'The Spanish Broadway', was built in the beginning of the 20th Century with the aim of connecting Calle de Alcala with the Plaza de Espana. The plan itself was first introduced in the 19th Century, but due to the necessity to demolish numerous buildings, the construction wasn't finished until 1929. Because of the demolition, Gran Via is sometimes called "an axe blow on the map."

Today, it's a well-known shopping street. The most recognisable landmark on the street is the Metropolis building, situated near the junction with Calle de Alcala. It was built between 1907 and 1911 by Spanish architects Jules and Raymond Février. The Metropolis is easy to spot because of the statue of the winged Goddess, Victory, which is placed on the roof.

Gran Via crosses two city squares, the first starting from the Calle de Alcala is the Plaza del Callao, the centre of cinematic Madrid with no less than six cinemas. The second is the Plaza de Espana, at the end of Gran Via. Surrounded by skyscrapers, Plaza de Espana is one of the biggest squares in Madrid. That's the place where the 'Spanish Broadway' changes into Calle Princesa, leading north.