Architecture tour Gran Vía from its best rooftops 20thC
Description
We propose you learning something else about Gran Vía and surroundings from the urban, historical and architectural point of view since it was conceived more than 100 years ago until its recent last reform. We will start on the rooftop of the Círculo de Bellas Artes, projected by Antonio Palacios, where you will enjoy the best views of the city. Likewise, we will know the history of other buildings such as the new headquarters of the City Council or the Cervantes Institute, Torres Blancas or Colón Towers. After going down the impressive staircase of the Círculo de Bellas Artes and visiting the building inside, we will start walking the first stretch of Gran Vía, stopping at Loewe, the luxury brand where Ava Gardner bought his exclusive bags before going to celebrate the premiere of his films at Museo Chicote with a cocktail together with bullfighters like Luis Miguel Dominguín, as Almodovar has done later in the 80`s. We will visit the Telefónica Building, the first Madrid skyscraper, whose cultural Foundation we will access together. We will continue the journey through the second section of Gran Vía, knowing the old Paris-Madrid Mall, the first luxury shopping center in Madrid. Later we will remember the missing Hotel Florida in Callao where Ernest Hemingway shared nights with international correspondents covering the Spanish Civil War. From here you will enjoy the views of the third section of Gran Vía with its cinemas and musical theaters that we will walk together to Plaza de España where we will finish at the last rooftop. A secret corner where we will have a drink while I tell you the project that will change this square with the Casa de Campo, Sabatini Gardens and the Royal Palace in the background. Other things to note Access to the first rooftop is not included (+5€/pax). It is offered as an option to finish the tour on the rooftop of the new Hotel Riu Plaza de España on the 27th floor with amazing views. Access MON-FRI +5€/pax till 6pm (no queue) +10€/pax from 6pm (queue of 20-30min). SAT-SUN +10€ ALL DAY (queues in the afternoon-evening) I offer other rooftops at the end of the architous without paying an entrance. The acces to all the rest of the buildings is included. You can have something to drink on the rooftops where we will stop at the beginning or at the end of the architour as an option.
Tour Options
Itinerary
We will start on the rooftop from where we will explain the urban and architectural development of the city while enjoying the best views of the city. Then we will go down the impressive staircase visiting the interior of the Antonio Palacios building.
We will get into the art-deco atmosphere that Luis Gutiérrez Soto projected in 1931, where Hollywood stars such as Ava Gadner to Almodovar have celebrated the premieres of their films in Madrid.
We will visit the interior of the first skyscraper in Madrid, knowing how it was when it was built in 1929 and its last reform in 2012.
We will learn about the history of the 1933 building with the famous Schweppes neons and its surroundings in Plaza del Callao.
We will finish on a rooftop at Plaza de España with amazing views of the Royal Palace, the Cathedral,. the Royal Theater and Casa de Campo forest. You could stay having a drink while you enjoy the views.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(74)
The tour was very informative about the history and architecture of Madrid. We went to some buildings I have never entered. My guide was very knowledgable
Emilio is a real local expert who gave us the chance to come to know the town from rooftop base where you not only see single sights but the relation among them. So many details going far beyond only Gran via helped us understanding the history of town. Despite the spectacular views on our way along Gran via we got so many insights into the history of town and country. Emilio guided us knowlegable and in a very friendly manner and our kids recognized so many of his hints during the week after that you can see how nachhaltig his tour has been. We strongly suggest to book is second tour about the old town in combination. Could not have been better, a real gem and an absolute recommendation! Thank you so much
Fantastic experience! Emilio was a wonderful and charming guide. Extremely knowledgeable about Madrid's history, eclectic architecture and current art exhibits. A thoroughly enjoyable and interesting time. Highly recommend this tour if you want to have fun and also learn about Madrid's architecture through the lense of culture and history. Thank you Emilio!
Thank you for taking the time to write a review, Annette. I am glad to know that you enjoyed the experience as I enjoyed showing the history of my city to you both. I hope we meet again on your next visit to Madrid in another of my architours.
I consider it as "must do walking seminar" in order to understand the background of the streets, the buildings and the history of the city! Our guide Emilio was great. His English was good. The tour and info provided accompanied us in the rest of days we stay in Madrid. We were a group of 4 and book a private tour (a little more expensive than booking in a group, but more convenient). Don't miss!
We enjoyed seeing the beautiful buildings along the Gran Via. The tour guide really knew his subject well. However, we felt that his opening talk about the history of Madrid was too long. To make matters worse, the weather was cold, windy and somewhat rainy. He needed to have a backup place to do his talks where we could be more comfortable when the weather wasn't cooperating. We also would have liked to see the interiors of more buildings and spend less time on the 2 rooftops.
Circulo de bella artes was definitely a treat! So much history and colorful and brilliant designs and construction through out the tour. Emilio was great and hospitable!
Tour guide Emilio was the right guy for this itinerary: an initial overview followed by in-depth walking tour of Gran Via. Architectural highlights placed in historical and geographic context. This one is probably mainly for the aficionado or at least those with a casual interest in details of architectural style presented with social and historical relevance. Some stairs involved, so no good for strollers and probably not for those under about 15 yrs old anyway. This is not a “light overview,” instead is rather specific. Highly recommend for the right travelers.
El tour de las azoteas de Gran Via es uno de los mejores tours que hemos hecho ultimamente. Emilio es un guia excelente, con un conociento enorme no solo de arquitectura pero tambien de la historia de Madrid y de España. Mi pareja es de Brasil y entonces Emilio nos dedico mas tiempo y nos explico la historia de Madrid desde la epoca Arabe para asi contextualizar mejor la historia y arquitectura de la Gran Via. Recomiendo este tour a todo el mundo, ya se sea de Madrid o de fuera. The Gran Via rooftop tour is excellent. One of the best tours we have done in a long time. Emilio is a fantastic guide. His knowledge of Madrid's architecture and history is impressive. My partner is Brazilian. Knowing that, Emilio made an effort and took extra time to explain the history of Madrid since very beginning (Arabic times) and therefore contextualize better Gran Via's architecture and history. I strongly recommend this tour to anyone either from Madrid or not !
Emilio is a brilliant guide, knowledgable and welcoming, and very organised. I found the tour fascinating and would not hesitate in recommending it. I learned so much about Madrid, from major milestones in history to intriguing anecdotes. Thanks Emilio!
Emilio is an excellent guide and as an architect and Madrid native is very knowledgeable about architecture but also about Spanish history. This was definitely our most memorable experience in Madrid.
