Gran Via

Gran Vía (literally "Great Way") is an ornate and upscale shopping street located in Central Madrid. It leads from Calle de Alcala, close to Plaza de Cibeles, to Plaza de Espana.

The lively street is one of the city's most important shopping areas, with a large number of hotels and large movie theaters; it is also noted for the grand architecture prevalent among many of its buildings. Now, most of the theaters are being replaced by shopping malls.

It is considered a showcase of early 20th century architecture, with patterns ranging from Vienna Secession style, Plateresque, Neo-Mudéjar, Art Deco and others.