More Madrid architecture. Many of my photos I took from atop the HoHo bus. In many European cities you can purchase a 1 or 2-day HoHo pass. Great idea because your 1st day can be spent admiring and taking note where things are and what places you'd like to go back to, then the 2nd day use it as a shuttle to take back to those places.
On with the photos!!!
Headed down Gran Via, one of the most popular arterials in Madrid.
Many times there's so much detail in just one element of a building it's easy to not notice what's there. You think...'oh, how pretty, very scrolly, and fancy!' SNAP!!
In this example, notice the serpentine...and is that a duck/goose head it's standing on? Of course, everything has a meaning behind it...the designer didn't just decide to throw in a serpentine on a cornice for the halibut!!
The Train Station
Entrance to a Park.
Puerto de Acala
Back in the day, it was one of the five royal gates from which one could enter into Madrid, seeing as the city was walled then. It's located on Independence Plaza and measures about 70 ft tall by 150 ft wide.
Church of San Manuel y San Benito
...believe it or not, built in 1902!!
Palacio Cibeles
Though 'Palace' is in the name, it's not a palace in the sense of royalty living there.
Quite the opposite.
It was the headquarters of the Spanish Post Office and Telegraph Company and was inaugurated in 1909, but since 2007 it has housed the offices of the Madrid City Council, a museum, as well as other administrative businesses.
Based on the outside, I was a little disappointed once inside. But, the good part was being able to take an elevator (followed by stairs) to the roof (just below the clock where you can see a few humans) and take in the views from outside.
Out in the distance is the Torrespana (Spain Tower).
Built in 1982, it's a TV transmission tower and stands 757 ft tall.
I LOVE the Metropolis building!! It was buillt in 1911 (same year Lucy was born) and a major restoration was finalized in 1996.
The rounded cupola is covered with 30,000 leaves of 24 carat gold.
The rounded cupola is covered with 30,000 leaves of 24 carat gold.
The Gate of Toledo
1827
I've flown into Madrid airport many times and each time I spot these 4 towers way off in the distance and wondered what they were. Unlike in the US of A, many European cities don't have the typical cluster of highrises that define 'downtown'. Nowhere can you see any semblance of Madrid from the airport...except these lone 4 towers.
Well, while out riding the subway system and exploring, I happen to exit a station and come out at ground level. WHOA!!! There they (the four towers) were, standing right in front of me!
CTBA
Cuatro Torres Business Area
Construction of the 4 towers started in 2004 and the final tower completed in 2009. The tallest tower, Torre Crystal (3rd from left) is the tallest in Madrid and all of Spain, reaching 816 ft. At the top there's a 6,500 sqft garden.
Torres de Colon
(Towers of Columbus)
Started: 1967 Completed: 1976
But, there's something unique about these twin towers (besides the big 'hat' they both share)....look at the photos and keep scrolling.
Unlike most highrises which have a foundation deep in the ground and then built from the bottom to the top....
These were built from Top to Bottom!!!
WHUHHHHH???
First, the elevator shafts were built. Then, they started from the top and built each floor suspended by cables and rods and headed downwards.
At the end of this exhaustive day, I headed to my favorite mercado 'San Miguel' and enjoyed some coffee, tapas, and people watching.
When it's hot outside, many open-air places have misters to keep everyone comfortable.
Sooooo much to choose from!!
Next up...a day train trip somewhere outside of Madrid...!!
Next up...a day train trip somewhere outside of Madrid...!!
Dano
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