DK Travel : Madrid : Architecture

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Palacio Longoría

Art Nouveau is usually associated with Barcelona rather than Madrid and, in fact, this superb example is by the Catalan architect José Grases Riera. Bold and original in design, take a close look at the florid sculptural detail, the sensuous curves and the balustrade – all typical Art Nouveau features (see Palacio Longoría).
Palacio Real

The Royal Palace marks a decisive break with the austere tastes of Spain’s Hapsburg rulers. Felipe V had been brought up at Versailles where the International Baroque style was in vogue. Architect Filippo Juvara died two years into the project, but his successor, Gian Battista Sachetti retained the Baroque spirit (see Palacio Real).
Plaza Mayor

The inspiration for the square was El Escorial’s courtyard (see El Escorial). But the plans of architect Juan de Herrera were only realized 30 years in 1619 later by Gómez de Mora (see Plaza Mayor).
Puerta de Europa

The “Gateway to Europe” is a modern version of a triumphal arch. Twenty-six storeys high, the leaning towers of glass and metal were completed in 1996.
Residencia de Estudiantes

Founded in 1910 as a liberal college, early alumni here included artist Salvador Dalí and poet Federico García Lorca. Designed by Antonio Flórez, the main building was nicknamed “transatlantic” by students because the balustrade resembled the rail of an ocean liner.
Taberna la Daniela

Ceramic motifs cover the bar and façade of this classic Madrid taberna (see Taberna La Daniela).
Taberna la Dolores

Tiled mosaics decorate the façade of this taberna dating from 1908 (see La Taberna la Dolores).
Torre Picasso

The tower’s main claim to fame is that, at 157 m (515 ft), it is the tallest building in Madrid. Opened in 1989, it is the work of Japanese architect Minoru Yamasaki, designer of the ill-fated World Trade Center in New York.
Villa Rosa

Fantastic ceramic decor dates from the days when this bar was a flamenco club (see Villa Rosa).
Viva Madrid

Tiled inside and out; look for the Cibeles fountain on the façade (see Viva Madrid).