Gran Vía Avenue is the most emblematic, active and busy street in Madrid. Throughout the days and the seasons of the year, Gran Vía is full of crowds of people and vehicles which create traffic jams. This avenue has had the leading role in countless novels, songs and films. Nobody can imagine Madrid without Gran Vía Avenue. In the blog of Estate One, we want to take a walk into the past of this essential and main thoroughfare of Madrid. We have already talked about Carrera de San Jerónimo Street. Today, we will write about Gran Vía, an avenue without which, Madrid would not be what it is.

A COLOSSAL URBAN PROJECT

In 1901, after several failed projects, the extension of Calle Preciados and the connection of Plaza de Callao with Calle Alcalá, was approved. The aim of this project was to free the transit and the traffic from Puerta del Sol, and also to connect the areas of Argüelles and Salamanca. Moreover, many small and dirty side streets and alleys located in that area, would disappear.

At that time, the project was very controversial, and the neighbours tried to prevent it from being carried out because it woud affect their homes. Nevertheless, in 1910, the construction work began. It became, in Madrid, the greatest urban remodelling so far. In order to put the project into effect, more than 300 houses, as well as many important buildings, had to be demolished. This project was carried out in three stages and it was finished in 1932.

THE LIFE OF A CITY CONDENSED IN AN AVENUE

From Calle Alcalá to Plaza de España, Gran Vía has been recycled and modified throughout the decades. At its very beginning, it was planned to be a meeting place for the citizens, as well as an important shopping and business area. The first great department store in Madrid, was inaugurated in Gran Vía. This fact created a great impact and it led to a change in the customs of the time.

At first, the main business premises in Gran Vía, were cinemas, restaurants, hotels, casinos, cafés and small shops. Just as other important European cities, luxury shops and car dealers were located at the beginning of the street. In the 50´s, large department stores and many bars and night clubs opened in the second area of Gran Vía. We must highlight the famous night club Pasapoga, where concerts were also held.

AN AVENUE WITH MANY DIFFERENT NAMES

Gran Vía Avenue has had a large number of names. The avenue was divided into sections, and each section had its own name. Therefore, depending on the political situation of the time, the name was changed. It has been called Eduardo Dato, Pí y Margall, Conde de Peñalver, Avenida de la CNT, Avenida de Rusia, Avenida de la Unión Soviética, Avenida de México and Avenida de Jose Antonio. It was not until 1981 that the final name was chosen.

A LUXURY REAL ESTATE PROPERTY IN GRAN VIA Nº 1

In Gran Vía Nº 1, we have a magnificent property with a built surface of 520 m2. The flat is located in the building called Eladio Laredo y Carranza. It has 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms as well as another bedroom plus bathroom for the domestic service. The whole flat faces onto the street and it has 14 balconies.

The ceilings are 4 metres high. This impressive flat has two halls, one of which has a chimney. It also has 3 living rooms and two rooms full of cupboards. You can see more details concerning this flat in our webpage.

Old pictures: Madrid Antiguo