DK Travel : Madrid : Architecture

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Antigua Huevería and Farmacia Juansé

Two tiled frontages. The pharmacy advertised “inoffensive cigarettes”, while the painted hens next door are a clue that this bar was once an egg shop (huevería ).
Bodega de Angel Sierra

Stunning tiled façade and interior, dating from the early 20th century (see Taberna de Angel Sierra).
Buildings in Madrid

One of the most notable aspects of Madrid is the mixture of traditional and modern buildings. It is impossible to miss the Plaza de Castilla in the northern part of Madrid. This is the location of the Torres Kio buildings that face each other and lean on 15 degree angles. The Torres Kio, which can been seen from many vantage points around Madrid, are truly spectacular when viewed from up close. Other impressive modern buildings include the Plaza de Espana and the Gran Via. If you are most intrigued by historical buildings, you will have a wide variety in Madrid. There are some magnificent places that really show the beauty of Madrid’s history. The Royal Palace of Madrid is one of the most remarkable sites in all of the world. It was built in the 10th century as a fortress for the royal family of Spain and it has received numerous face-lifts and renovations to retain its stunning beauty. The best time to see the Royal palace is at night because the lighting is amazing. Another place that has stood the test of time whilst also being aesthetically pleasing is the Complutense University of Madrid. There is a great collection of buildings that have been part of the learning institution for over 700 years. The speed of a car hire Madrid is the best way to see all aspects of the city.
Círculo de Bellas Artes

The Fine Arts Club dates from the 1920s and is Antonio Palacios’ Art Deco masterpiece. The crowning feature is the statue on the roof, representing the goddess Minerva, patroness of the arts. Pay the one-day membership fee and you can take in the other highlights – the staircase, theatre, ballroom and the Salón de Fiestas, with its painted ceiling (see Círculo de Bellas Artes).
Fábrica de Churros

Pop inside this shop and check out the traditional tiled interior (see Fábrica de Churros).
Iglesia de San Jerónimo el Real

Though much altered over the years, this 16th-century church is an important architectural monument. It has also been a place of refuge for Spanish kings and queens through the ages. The current king, Juan Carlos I, was crowned here in 1975 (see Iglesia de San Jerónimo el Real).
La Fontana de Oro

Pretty old café converted into a Guinness pub.
La Quinta del Sordo

The tiled façade here features scenes from Goya’s paintings.
Los Gabrieles

Every inch of the interior was covered with painted murals by Enrique Guigo in the 1880s (see Los Gabrieles).
Metrópolis

One of Madrid’s signature buildings, Metrópolis was designed in 1905 by the French architects Jules and Raymond Février. The high point – literally – of this lovely Neo-Baroque confection is the bronze wreaths garlanding the cupola, which glint in the sunlight (see Metrópolis).