Madrid

This is the Metrópolis building, the most beautiful on Madrid's Gran Vía

Sculptures in the tower of the Metrópolis building on Gran Vía in Madrid
Sculptures in the tower of the Metrópolis building on Gran Vía in Madrid

Watch the metropolis building It's going to be one of the highlights during your tourist walk along Gran Vía de Madrid.

Due to its prominent location on the corner of the Gran Vía and Alcala Street, near the Plaza de Cibeles, and for the beauty of its architecture, the metropolis building It has become one of the great icons of the century-old Madrid avenue.

The origins of metropolis building They date back precisely to the beginning of the great urban development that in 1910 involved the construction of the new Gran Via in Madrid.

El Metropolis It was one of the first buildings built on the first section of the Gran Vía, which was initially called Conde Peñalver street.

History and curiosities of the Metropolis building

At that time the insurance company Union and the Phoenix had the project to build its new headquarters.

For this purpose he acquired a large plot of land created by the demolition of houses between the Alcalá streets y Knight of Grace.

The construction of the building was commissioned in 1907. to the French architects Jules and Raymond Fevrier, who approached it with a design eclectic architectural, very popular at the time in France.

The works were completed in 1910 by the Spanish architect Luis Esteve Fernández-Caballero.

Metropolis Building on Gran Vía in Madrid
Metropolis Building on Gran Vía in Madrid

When you find yourself before him metropolis buildingIn addition to appreciating its elegant architectural design, you should pay attention to its main element, the keep located on the corner of Gran Vía and Alcalá.

The circular tower is located on a rotunda decorated with Corinthian columns.

On its pedestal you will see four allegorical figures, and on the dome, with its striking roof that combines slate and golden elements, the statue of Winged Victory.

Curiously, this statue was not in the original project of the Metrópolis building on Gran Vía, since then the dome was crowned by a Phoenix which represented the original company that owned the building.

In the 70s of the last century the company Union and the Phoenix sold the building to its current owners, the company Metropolis, and it was this one that then placed the new tower on the tower. statue of the Winged victory.

Sculptures in the tower of the Metrópolis building on Gran Vía in Madrid
Sculptures in the tower of the Metrópolis building on Gran Vía in Madrid

If you are interested in seeing the original statue of the Phoenix, you find it installed in the gardens of the building that the insurance company currently has in the Paseo de la Castellana.

The best way to appreciate the architectural beauty of the tower of the Metrópolis building on Gran Vía is go up to the terrace of the Círculo de Bellas Artes, In the Alcala Street in front of the aforementioned building.

From there you also have excellent panoramic views of that central area of ​​Madrid.

Photos of the Metropolis building on Gran Vía

Here you have more photos of the Metropolis building on Gran Vía Madrid.

About the Author

José Luis Sarralde

Journalist and traveler throughout his life, José Luis Sarralde is the founder of Guías Viajar, where since 2008 he has been capturing his travel experiences around the world, specializing in cultural and scenic destinations in Spain and Europe.

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