Description of the attraction
Plaza de España, located directly in the center of the city, is not only the most important square of Madrid and an important urban transport interchange, but also the largest square in Spain, because it covers an area of almost 37 thousand square meters. m.
Once upon a time, magnificent gardens grew on the site of the square. In 1656, King Charles III ordered the construction of a monastery on this site, which never became operational. A century later, Joseph Bonaparte founded stables and barracks for his army here, and at the beginning of the 20th century it was decided to demolish them and break up a square on this place.
The square is surrounded by such important buildings that are symbols of Madrid, such as the Madrid Tower, the “Spain” building, as well as the magnificent buildings of the Asturian Mining Company and Casa Gaillardo, built in the style of modernism.
The 142-meter-high Madrid Tower, built between 1954 and 1957, is one of the tallest buildings in Europe. The tower, located in one of the corners of the square and is a large shopping and entertainment center, was built by the architect Otamendi Machimbarrena. Until the construction of the Brussels South Tower in 1967, the Madrid Tower was the tallest building in Europe.
The building "Spain", built in 1953 and has 25 floors, houses a shopping center, as well as offices and apartments. To date, restoration work is underway in the building.
One of the most famous and beautiful buildings in Madrid, Casa Gaillardo, designed by Federico Arias Rei, is a true example of Madrid modernist architecture. Directly opposite it is the building of the Asturian Mining Company, which today houses the Madrid Council of Culture.
In the center of the square there is a magnificent monument to Cervantes and his two heroes - Don Quixote and Sancho Panse.
