GRAN VIA, Last Part
- Audio File length: 2.06
- Author: STEFANO ZUFFI E DAVIDE TORTORELLA
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Language: English / USA
You have reached the third part of the Gran Vía which connects Plaza del Callao to Plaza de España. This stretch of road was completed in 1929 after four years of construction work.
Callao, the name of the pedestrian square, is a reference to the Peruvian port where a fierce naval battle took place during the Spanish-American War. Today it is the epicenter of shopping in Madrid: among the various buildings, the art-deco style façade of the historical "Cines Callao" building merits your attention.
Before you go down to Plaza de España, note the original shape of number 46, which is the Press Building that was built in North American style on behalf of the Association of Journalists. Even today on the upper floors above the four movie theaters, you can find offices of political parties, newspapers, and publishers....