Gran Vía, A bustling hub of fashion, culture, and architecture

Gran Vía Street

There are many branded stores gathered along the streets

Introduction

Gran Via is a bustling high-end shopping street in the center of Madrid, with its starting point at Alcala Street and ending at the Plaza de Espana. It is one of the city's most important shopping areas, with many hotels, cinemas, and grand buildings. Although most of the theaters have been replaced by shopping malls, it remains a must-visit tourist destination. In the mid-19th century, Madrid's city planners decided to build a new avenue leading to the Plaza de Espana and carried out large-scale demolitions. However, because construction plans did not begin for decades, the road was considered the "Great Way" (Gran Via). Finally, in 1904, the plan was approved, and construction began two years later. The last section was completed in 1929. Today, Gran Via has become synonymous with fashion shopping, architecture, and culture.