Madrid's Gran Vía (or High Street) is the most modern street in the central area, and its main commercial thoroughfare. The largest civic project of the beginning of the C20th, its construction was intended to modernize the city, and to link the newer district of Salamanca, home to the rich, with the historic centre.

It was an ambitious plan, which had been mooted for much of the previous century, and involved the demolition of many buildings. Its current layout was not complete until the 1950's, and before then the most modern architectural projects of the capital accumulated along its length, ranging from the Telefónica building (click here to see Telefonica Foundation building) to the grand hotels and cinemas which have shaped its current look.

Information and guide suministrated by El Consorcio de Turismo de Madrid