Plaza de España

Overview

A grand square at the western terminus of Gran Vía, dominated by two of Madrid's most recognizable skyscrapers and a monumental tribute to Spain's greatest literary figure.

Highlights

• Cervantes Monument: A massive stone monument featuring bronze statues of Don Quixote on horseback and Sancho Panza on his donkey, with Cervantes seated above observing his creations.
• Torre de Madrid: A 142-metre Art Deco skyscraper completed in 1957, briefly the tallest concrete structure in the world.
• Redesigned Gardens: A major 2021 renovation transformed the square into a vast pedestrian park with over 1,000 new trees and underground traffic tunnels.

History

The square was developed in the mid-20th century as part of Franco-era urban expansion. The Cervantes monument was constructed between 1925 and 1930 by architect Rafael Martínez Zapatero and sculptors Lorenzo Coullaut Valera and Federico Coullaut-Valera Mendigutia.

Visitor Tips

• Sunset: The square faces west, making it ideal for watching sunset light hit the surrounding buildings.
• Starting Point: Use it as a launching point to walk east along Gran Vía or south through the Jardines de Sabatini to the Royal Palace.
• Duration: 15–20 minutes.