Cityscape: Metropolis Building in Madrid, Spain

About the Picture

Walking through Madrid is a great experience, it’s like a gallery of architectural masterpieces. Especially when you’re in the area of Metropolis building, the heart of the city.

At the time of my visit, the bottom part of the building was under renovation, and so I decided to take a shot as you can see. The picture is missing the phoenix sculpture that sits on top of the building.

The Metropolis building was constructed in 1911, and was built for the La Union y el Fenix, an insurance company. They had a different sculpture on top, of Winged Victory which they took to their new headquarters, after Metropolis Seguros acquired the building in 1972 and since then it went through big renovations.

If you’re an architectural fan you may know it was built in Beaux-Arts architectural style, which was taught at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris.

I remember, when I was walking in Madrid and came across the building, within seconds it possessed me. It radiates power and resilience. The details capture your eye and you can not just pass by it without noticing it and enjoy its beauty.

It’s located at the Gran Vía and Calle de Alcalá. Many consider the beginning of the Gran Via street from where the Edificio Metropolis (full name) building is, but it’s address actually is Calle de Alcalá 39.

Where the building is located, as I mentioned before, there are many architectural masterpieces. Once you travel to Madrid and walk around the Edificio Metropolis, you will be amazed about how beautiful architecture looks in Madrid.

And most probably if you decide to walk around the heart of the Madrid city, you will pass by the Metropolis. For me, it feels like “every road leads to Rome”, when it comes to Madrid, every road leads to Metropolis building and all the other beautiful buildings around. Those are just some of many reasons why people love Madrid and Spain.

The contrast of historic architecture set against vibrant street life, telling you the city’s story. Madrid’s landmarks, especially the Metropolis, never disappoint. It’s a city that’s rich with texture, light, and stories you may want to “watch”, and give them your own meanings.

Often so hard to describe. But if you’re a traveler that’s planning to visit Spain, add it to your itinerary, or a bucket list for your future travels across European beautiful destinations.

Feel free to download this picture of the architectural masterpiece, which Edificio Metropolis certainly is and use it on your blog or web article if you need to.