Thanks to its architectural diversity, which ranges from centuries-old buildings resembling castles and palaces right out of a fairytale to fantastic works created by the imagination of some of the great postmodernist minds, Madrid has the status of an “open-air museum” for art and architecture lovers. As one of Europe’s main urban areas and, at the same time, a symbol of Hispanic culture, Spain’s capital serves its visitors a cocktail of sensations emanating from the historical weight that it holds, the rich culture that it offers and the typical modernity of an avant-garde city.
On today’s trip, we will take you to discover some of the gems of Madrid’s architecture, which bear testimony to the artistic diversity of this wonderful city!
Palacio de Cibeles/Palace of Communication
Many consider this to be the most beautiful building in Madrid, which is the reason why it is featured in so many photographs in the albums of travellers. Its privileged location in front of Plaza de Cibeles square also helps, as well as its role as a cultural centre. Inaugurated in 1919, it was initially the headquarters of the Spanish Post, but it gained the status of a palace at the turn of the 21st century when it became the seat of Madrid’s Municipal Government. Designed by architects Antonio Palacios and Joaquín Otamendi, the building is still remarkable as one of the first examples of Spanish Modern architecture.
Metrópolis Building
At the intersection of Calle de Alcalá and Gran Vía streets, you will find the Metrópolis Building, one of the most beautiful and well-known of the Spanish capital. Inaugurated in January 1911, with its French style and its 45 metres in height, it dominated the skies of Madrid for 10 years. It receives its name from its second owner, the Metrópolis insurance company, which purchased it in the 70s from another insurer, La Unión y el Fénix. If you can, go up to the terrace of the Ada Palace hotel at no. 2 Gran Vía, grab a cup of coffee and go wild with your camera—and be sure to watch the building illuminated by more than 200 floodlights after the sun sets.
KIO/Gate of Europe Towers
The KIO Towers (for Kuwait Investment Office), whose official name is Gate of Europe, are the most well-known feature of Madrid’s skyline. With their 115 metres in height, these buildings located right on Plaza de Castilla square are difficult to miss. They are mainly noticeable for their improbable shape since they are symmetrical but with a 14.3 degree tilt in relation to the La Castellana boulevard’s axis, creating a kind of futuristic door that defies the laws of gravity. The KIO Towers were built between 1989 and 1996 and were designed by Philip Johnson and John Burgee.
The Sanchinarro Mirador
The Mirador (literally “lookout”) is a postmodern building located in the Sanchinarro neighbourhood that looks like it was made with Lego building blocks as stacked mini-neighbourhoods. Its most outstanding feature is its opening in the middle of the building, at a height of 40 metres, providing its dwellers with a 580 square metre open-air space, a sort of central courtyard. This high-rise housing project, built between 2001 and 2005, is by the Dutch architectural studio MVRDV, in collaboration with Madrid-based architect Blanca Lleó.
BBVA headquarters (The Sail)
The headquarters of BBVA bank in Madrid has 114,000 square metres for offices and services, capable of accommodating close to 6,000 workers. Located in Madrid’s financial district, this project by Swiss architects Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron takes the shape of a sail. An interesting fact about the construction of this building is the creation of an overpass crossing the A-1 motorway to connect it to the El Corte Inglés department store.
Embark on this adventure and feel like a true treasure hunter, an Indiana Jones in Madrid to explore the secrets and mysteries of this city. Apart from these architectural masterpieces, there is much more to discover in the “City of Many Squares”. Come as a tourist and wander as a local with a tuk tuk tour. Check out the Madrid tours here.
