Plaza de España in Madrid is one of the largest and most popular squares in the city. On a sunny day, it is filled with street vendors, tourists and sunbathing locals. The square is located at the end of the beautiful Gran Via, one of the busiest streets in Madrid. The green square is surrounded by highways, but the atmosphere here is quite relaxing and casual. Among the main attractions of the square are a large fountain and a famous statue in honor of the Spanish writer Cervantes.
The Plaza de Colon in Madrid is home to the twin towers, locally known as "El Enchufe" or "The Rosette". This nickname comes from its appearance, which resembles a giant electrical plug. The official name is “Torres de Colon”, or Columbus Towers. Some believe that this is the most terrible building in Madrid. Its Art Deco green roof and copper and glass façade do not inspire city dwellers. However, Torres de Colón has become an icon of the Madrid skyline since its construction in 1976. The construction generated quite a bit of curiosity as the Columbus Towers were built from top to bottom.
Traveling around Madrid you will find many museums and historical monuments. The capital of Spain is one of the country's most beloved tourist destinations, captivating travelers with its architecture, history and attractions. The most unusual of these is the ancient Egyptian Temple of Debod, or Templo de Debod in Spanish. You are probably wondering how such a structure could appear in the European capital? You will find the answer to this question below.
In addition to the fact that Madrid is actually the center of Spain, this city is also famous for its bloody “spectacle” - Corrida. We invite you to get acquainted with the main attractions of Madrid. Full of energy, culture, history and interesting landmarks, Madrid is a modern capital that gives you a full taste of the real Spain. Wide avenues are crowded with tourists, and green parks harmoniously smooth out urbanization. Madrid doesn't have the traditional charm of Andalusia, or the beauty of Barcelona - instead the city offers an exciting atmosphere. The city is constantly noisy and in action.
On my first trip, Madrid seemed incredible to me. I was impressed by the very beautiful buildings. I don’t understand architecture, so I can only judge from the point of view of “like it or not.” So, I liked it in Madrid. Five years passed, I saw many other cities in Europe, and when I got to Madrid again, I didn’t find anything incredible in it - an ordinary “European city”, in the appearance of which there was nothing that caused such delight. And I became interested in what happened to Madrid, and I became interested in finding beauty in it.
The whole last day in Madrid I walked around the city and looked at the buildings. Beauty was found not in the whole, but in the details: balconies, stucco moldings, sculptures - if you pay attention not to the entire building, but to its pieces, it becomes much more interesting.
Like any other city, Madrid has gone through several milestones in history, each of which has left its mark on the appearance of the city. After Philip II moved the capital of Spain to Madrid in the mid-16th century, the city began to actively grow and develop. The architects of Philip II chose the Plaza Mayor, the main square, as the center for the new development of the city. Construction began on buildings to house the royal court, nobles and service functions.
During their visits to Flanders, Philip II and his son Philip III were impressed by Flemish architecture, which led to the spired buildings popular in Madrid at the time and to the involvement of Flemish architects in the design of the city. Madrid has preserved the reign of these Habsburg kings in the architectural ensemble of the Plaza Mayor and its surrounding buildings.
Casa de Panaderia, also known as a bakery in 1590
In the 18th century, the era of Bourbon rule begins. The first Spanish king of this dynasty, Philip V, invites Italian architects to build a palace similar to Versailles, where Philip was born. Madrid is being built up with new palaces for the nobility and churches in the Baroque style.
Gate of Alcala
Under Philip V, construction of the National Library began. The majestic building, as conceived by the king, was supposed to emphasize the importance of culture and science for the Spanish nation.
In 1759, the Spanish throne passes to Charles III, the best mayor of Madrid, as the Spaniards call him. If before Charles the rulers paid attention only to the construction of palaces and did not think about the common people, allowing the townspeople to settle as they pleased, the new king decided to radically change the situation. By that time, Madrid was such a dirty and unpleasant city that Charles even thought about moving the capital to Seville, but he pulled himself together and ordered order to be restored.
First of all, by royal decree, the townspeople were ordered to clean in and around their houses. Next, Charles III instructed the architects, led by Francesco Sabatini, to redevelop the city, taking into account the construction of sewers, parks, hospitals and scientific buildings. Under Charles, construction began on the building of the Prado Museum, which was conceived as a natural history museum.
At the beginning of the 19th century, Madrid fell under French occupation, and Napoleon installed his older brother Joseph, or Jose I, as he was called in Spain, at the head of the Spanish kingdom. The French made significant changes to the appearance of Madrid, appropriating church property and destroying many churches and monasteries that were located in the city. Squares were built in their place.
After the liberation of Spain from the French in 1814, King Ferdinand returned from exile. First of all, the king announces a competition for the construction of memorials to those who died for Spain during the occupation, since the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, which had lost its talents during the reign of the French, was unable to offer an interesting project. The competition was won by Isidro Gonzalez Velazquez, for which he received not only medals, but also the position of royal architect.
Velázquez's main project and the main change in Madrid in the first half of the 19th century after the occupation was the Plaza de Oriente, built opposite the royal palace on the site of an apple orchard and several buildings. New buildings were erected in the neoclassical style, which became fashionable during this period, which means that elements of Roman and Greek architecture, mainly columns, began to be used in the decoration of buildings.
In the second half of the 19th century, the second large-scale redevelopment of Madrid began, caused by the rapid development of the city, whose population doubled compared to the beginning of the century. In addition, the redevelopment was influenced by the construction of several railway lines, which began to connect different parts of the country. Engineer Castro developed a linear plan for the growth of Madrid, which included the construction of 18 districts, provided with housing, hospitals, parks, prisons, educational institutions, cemeteries, canals for clean water and new sewers.
At the end of the 19th century, the fashion for style in architecture changed again. As a result of excavations or restorations, a large number of old drawings and manuscripts were discovered, which led to the emergence of such styles as neo-Gothic, neo-Byzantine, neo-Romanesque and others. Madrid did not escape fashion trends, and all new key buildings that were built in the city received elements of historicism in their appearance.
Ministry of Agriculture building
Building of the Higher Technical School of Mining and Energy
Bank of Spain
Bank of Spain in the evening
At the same time, construction began on the Almudena Cathedral opposite the Royal Palace.
In addition to historicism, the architecture of the late 19th century was heavily influenced by the Mudejar style, which led to the appearance of buildings with elements of Arabic decor. The Moorish style was so popular in Spain that the Spanish pavilion at the World Exhibition in Paris in 1878 was built in it.
Residential building, built in 1895. Popularly called the House with Balls
Another residential building
By the beginning of the 20th century, the population of Madrid had reached almost a million people, doubling its size since 1870. Industry is developing rapidly, the railway is growing, new means of communication are appearing, and great importance is being given to the financial services sector. Alfonso XIII became King of Spain at the age of 17. The young king sought to show that the capital of his kingdom did not lag behind the leading cities of Europe and supported ideas for modernizing Madrid and turning it into a city that kept pace with the times.
Palace of Communications
Palace of Communications
While the outskirts of Madrid were expanding, acquiring more and more houses for new citizens, the city center was undergoing significant changes. Back in the mid-19th century, architects hatched a project to connect the northwestern part of the city with the center through a wide street. After many years of deliberation, the project of Gran Via was born, a street just over a kilometer long and 35 meters wide, which became the Spanish Broadway and one of the main streets of Madrid.
Metropolis. The first building on Gran Via, built for an insurance company
Almost 10 years passed from the approval of the street plan to the start of the actual implementation of the project, since at the beginning it was completely unclear how to build a new street. As a result, the construction was divided into three stages, and many churches, streets, boulevards and more than 300 houses were sent for demolition. The first part of Gran Via was built under the influence of fashionable French style and the concept of a beautiful city.
Plaza Cibeles, where Gran Via begins, overlooking the Metropolis and the Bank of Spain
Jewelry company building, Grassi House
It's close
The second part of Gran Via was built over 8 years from 1917. The construction of this site fell on the “roaring 20s” in the USA, when New York, Chicago and other large cities were built with skyscrapers. Fashion in architecture changed again, historicism and the French style gave way to futurism, and reinforced concrete began to be used as materials. Architects in Madrid immediately took up the new trend, and while the demolition of old buildings on the second site of Gran Via was underway, they developed several projects for new buildings.
Fine Arts Building at night
It's the same during the day
Element of one of the residential buildings in the 1920s style
The architects did not stop only at the construction of Gran Via. New buildings were erected throughout Madrid, commissioned by the new rich - industrialists and bankers. Many buildings were built as apartment buildings, which increased the capital of their owners by renting out apartments.
Madrid-Paris building
Bank of Bilbao building
Apartment house of Thomas Allende
The third section of Gran Via was built in the 1930s and consisted mainly of tall and large buildings containing expensive hotels. The influence of the American style in architecture in the previous decade was so strong that almost all the buildings in the third section were also built with an eye on New York and Chicago, however, there was a slight admixture of Art Deco that decorated the buildings.
The construction of the third part of Gran Via was complicated by the political situation in Spain. In 1931, the Second Republic was established, Alfonso XIII was removed from the throne and sent into exile with his royal family. The reason for everything was a deep financial crisis. In 1936, a civil war broke out in Spain between Republicans and Nationalists led by Francisco Franco.
Bombing during the war greatly destroyed the city, so when Franco came to power in 1939, his government, among others, was faced with the task of reconstructing the city. The development of the plan was entrusted to urban planner Pedro Bidagor, who presented a concept of 12 main points. The concept included reforming the city center, creating ring and radial streets, reconstructing the railway network, building new houses, zoning the city, organizing new suburbs and much more. The plan was only accepted for implementation in 1946, and everything was completed by 1950.
The architecture of the Franco regime was functional when it came to ordinary buildings, and monumental when it came to demonstrating the power and strength of the regime. One of the most characteristic buildings is the Building of Spain, a skyscraper built in 1953 at the end of Gran Via in Piazza di Spagna. With a height of 117 m, the building was the tallest in Madrid for 7 years before the period of active development of the city with skyscrapers began.
Since the 1960s, the period of modern architecture began, skyscrapers of various heights were erected, the proportions of glass and concrete in which changed over time. Mostly tall buildings are erected in the east and northeast of Retiro Park and do not spoil the view of the city center. The entire business life of the city is gradually moving from the old city to this new center, and Gran Via and the historical buildings that survived after numerous redevelopments and bombings attract tourists.
Columbus Towers and sculpture at the entrance to the National Library. The Spanish call the building a rosette
After such a detailed study of the history of the city through its architecture, it became clear why Madrid looks like an exemplary European city. In general, because they wanted to make it like this, without sparing the historical heritage.
And if you ask me whether I liked Madrid, I will answer that probably not. There really is something to see, but this is not my city according to my inner feelings. Although I really liked the detailed analysis of architecture using the example of Madrid, and I will probably do something similar for another city if the opportunity arises.
Spain is the birthplace of Gaudi, de Villanueva, Machuca and other outstanding architects. Their names are known all over the world, and their creations decorate not only Spanish cities, but also other European cities. The main center of architectural beauty in Spain, apart from Barcelona and Valencia, is its capital, Madrid. The beautiful city, founded in the early 900s AD, is now the center of Spanish life, and the main metropolis of the country. Also, Madrid has a huge number of different architectural values, which we will talk about in this material.
History of architecture in Madrid.
The oldest architectural structure in Madrid that has survived to this day is considered to be the legendary Alcala gate, which are the symbol of this city. This building was built in a mixed style of Baroque and Classicism, due to which it has a very unusual appearance. The modern gate is an updated version of the old gate, which was reconstructed after the decree of Charles III. The gate is made of granite and has five spans (two with straight arches, three with semicircular ones). On top of the structure are depicted the four human virtues (Moderation, Justice, Wisdom and Courage), which are made in the form of limestone figures.
Prado Museum building was built in 1785, and is one of the most striking and monumental monuments of classicism. During its existence, the building has been reconstructed several times, and the hallmark of the building is the massive colonnade leading to the main entrance.
Plaza Mayor is the main square of the city, surrounded by beautiful buildings reminiscent of Austrian architecture. The center of attention is a luxurious building Casa de la Panderia, famous for its two pointed spiers. And traditional Austrian pretentiousness, which is emphasized by neat balconies. Interestingly, this building served as a bakery! Puerta del Sol is another luxurious square in Madrid, surrounded by unique architecture.
Palace architecture of Madrid.
The palaces of the Spanish capital are a separate column of local architecture, which is simply impossible to pass by.
Royal Palace in Madrid- the official residence of the Spanish monarchs, which serves not only as the most beautiful architectural landmark of the country's capital, but also as a symbol of power. The building was built under the leadership of the Italian architect Filippo Juvarru, who after his death was replaced by other Italian masters of architecture. The palace is beautiful for its interior decoration, where the interiors are made in a wide variety of styles that harmoniously combine with each other. The appearance of the palace is very official and is distinguished by its monumentality.
Linares Palace, built in neo-Braoque style, was erected at the end of the 19th century. In its history, the palace building was destroyed almost to the ground during the Civil War, but subsequently, the authorities restored the original appearance of Linares. The structure is small in size, rising four floors above the street.
Escorial– a unique structure with an epoch-making appearance. This palace is located outside the city limits and serves as the main residence of the Spanish king. The structure rises against the backdrop of the greenery surrounding the palace, and is a huge rectangle measuring 208x162 meters. The palace complex includes a huge number of elements - 9 towers, 13 chapels, 15 galleries, 300 cells, 16 patios, more than 2600 windows.
Temple architecture of Madrid.
As the capital of Spain, Madrid has more political significance for the country, but from a religious point of view the city is also very rich.
Almudena Cathedral- a majestic temple building located opposite the Armory Square in Madrid. The first stone of the cathedral was laid in 1884, and only in 1993 the Almudena Cathedral was consecrated by the Pope. The cathedral building is distinguished by its elaborate neo-Gothic style and has a very light appearance. The shape of the building is made in the form of a Latin cross.
Known throughout the world for its majestic façade, Royal Cathedral of Saint Francis the Great, is distinguished by its size and beauty. So, the height of the dome is 58 meters, and its diameter is 33 meters. The building of the Royal Cathedral was built in the neoclassical style.
Monastery of Encarnacion, is considered the richest and most prosperous monastery in Spain, and its building is one of the five most recognizable architectural structures of the Spanish capital. The facade of the monastery is made of brick and stone slabs, and is designed in the rare Herreresco style. Also, in the exterior of Encarancion there are notes of neoclassicism, which was introduced into the appearance by Ventura Rodriguez, who was engaged in the restoration of the church after a big fire.
Sports facilities in Madrid.
The sports architecture of the capital of Spain can be distinguished in two objects - two beautiful football stadiums.
The first one is Santiago Bernabeu, where Real Madrid, the legendary Spanish football club, is based. The huge bowl of the stadium seats 81,044 spectators in its stands, and is one of the most iconic sports venues in Europe. The opening of the stadium took place back in 1947, after which two reconstructions were carried out - in 1982 and 2001.
In the center of Madrid there is another iconic football stadium, where the local club Atlético plays. This "Vicente Calderon", accommodating 54,907 spectators. The stadium has an ancient façade and historical significance for Spanish sports. But, in the near future, the stadium will be completely destroyed, since it is planned to build a new, modern arena in its place.
Modern architecture of Madrid.
The architecture of the Spanish capital does not stand still, and luxurious modern skyscrapers are rising next to the ancient architecture, delighting city guests with their grandeur.
Picasso Tower For a long time it was the tallest building in the country, and is a classic skyscraper built according to the American prototype. 43 floors are located in a tower 157 meters high. The appearance of the skyscraper is very similar to the skyscrapers of New York or Washington in the business districts of American cities.
The Gate of Europe is a unique structure in a modern style, consisting of two towers inclined towards each other. The construction of this structure was completed in 1994, and to this day, Gateway to Europe are an iconic example of the modern look of the Spanish capital.
Cuatro-Torres is a modern office center consisting of four skyscrapers of various shapes and heights. It is one of the towers of the complex (Torre Bankia) that is the tallest building in the country (250 meters, 45 floors). The complex is the “home” for several large companies in the Spanish capital.
As you can see, Madrid represents not only the history of Spanish architecture, but also its modernity. Every year the appearance of the Spanish capital changes, but historical architectural monuments are sacredly revered by the country's leadership and are preserved in their original form.
Despite numerous destructions and reconstructions during the centuries-old history of the city, you can admire it endlessly. The architectural features of Madrid are reflected in a vibrant symbiosis of different styles and eras, which is especially pronounced in the exterior of palaces and parks.
Features of the city's architecture
- main styles: Moorish, Gothic, Baroque, neoclassical, modern;
- the historical part of the city has been preserved in the northeast and southeast of the capital;
- medieval buildings can only be seen southwest of Plaza del Sol;
History of the city's construction
The right to be called founders belongs to the Arabs. In the 9th century, the city of "Mairit" was a hilltop citadel surrounded by the Manzanares River valley. Adjacent to the fortress was a village that had no urban features, with the exception of a huge wall and gate. The roads leading to the gates eventually became streets. By the 15th century, the area of the suburb was already twice the size of the old city, and in the 16th, Madrid became the capital.
From now on, Madrid performed military, commercial and political functions. A “Decoration Council” was created, which was responsible for the appearance of the buildings. It was during this period that new palaces, theaters in Madrid, and magnificent squares appeared.
The 18th century changed the appearance of the capital - a big fire practically destroyed the Alcazar, which they did not dare to restore, but in the gardens, it seems, all the love of the Spanish people for art was embodied.
The 19th century brought with it the destruction of churches and monasteries. Classicism was replaced by modernity, and many medieval monuments ceased to exist.
Architectural monuments of the capital
The urban planning of Madrid was not a spontaneous process. It is no coincidence that the capital has a second name - “Intentional City”.
Temple architecture
Its main example is the Almudena Cathedral, built in honor of the Virgin of Almudena (translation - “fortress”), a statue of which was found in the wall of an old Arab citadel. Location: Bailen Street (opposite the Royal Palace). Work began in the 19th century and ended only 100 years later.
Until the 19th century there was no cathedral in Madrid, since it was not the center of the diocese. In 1884, the city received this status, which gave rise to the start of construction of the main religious building of the capital.
The facade of the building is made in light colors, which creates an ensemble with the Royal Palace. The interior decoration is distinguished by a special atmosphere of holiness and religiosity. The design has the shape of a Latin cross. The Cathedral in Madrid is decorated with statues of saints created by the great masters of Spain.
Theaters in Madrid
The main attraction is also located opposite the Royal Palace. In 1850, Queen Isabella II ordered the construction of the cultural pearl of the capital to begin. By the end of the same year, Donizetti's opera "The Favorite" opened the Teatro Real of Madrid.
Later, the capital's Conservatory took refuge here. The theater was visited at different times by leading cultural figures from all over the world - Verdi, Stravinsky, Nijinsky.
After reconstruction, the temple of art was converted into a concert hall, which hosted the Eurovision Song Contest (1969).
Since 1997, it has again been possible to enjoy opera in Madrid.
Modern architecture
Its brightest representative is the whole region. It deservedly bears the fame of the most fashionable, avant-garde, shocking place in the capital. Here the outlook on life is more free from stereotypes. This place is known as the embodiment of design projects and extravagant fashion. His name is Chuek.
Sexual freedom is held in high esteem here, and the sounds of fashionable concerts can be heard. In the summer, the Pride Parade is an event that brings together people from all over the world.
Monuments
The pride of the people of Madrid is the monument to Don Quixote. It is part of a large ensemble dedicated to Cervantes. Location - Plaza de España, near the Royal Palace. Its opening marked the 300th anniversary of the writer’s death. The composition includes a monument to the most famous Spaniard, his characters and Queen Isabella.
Madrid is not a city frozen in time. It is constantly growing, developing and changing. Many modern buildings have long been its symbols.
Madrid (Spain) - Walk through the capital: Video
The phrase “architecture of Spain” quite naturally evokes in most people the image of Barcelona with its outstanding masterpieces from the great Catalan architect Antonio Gaudi. However, modern Spain is a country with amazing architecture, which is in no way inferior to other developed countries. Our review presents 25 outstanding examples of modern architecture in Spain.
The Museum of Drawing and Illustration in Madrid is the most modern in Spain. The ABC Museum consists of small cafes, shops, restoration rooms and two exhibition halls, which display a rich collection of works of all kinds of fine art, sculpture, animation and graphic design. In addition to exhibitions, the museum hosts various cultural events, educational master classes and courses.
The amazing BF House, located on a hill in the city of Castiglion, is an excellent example of the competent organization of space that promotes the most comfortable living. BF House is a huge slab resting on 3 V-shaped metal supports that bear the weight of the entire building. One of the most important principles laid down by the authors in this project was the maximum brightening of the interiors due to glass walls.
3. Agbar Tower skyscraper in Barcelona
Erected in 2004, the modern skyscraper Agbar Tower is the creation of the famous French architect Jean Nouvel. The shape of the building and the design of the facade are designed to embody the water element of Spain and the outlines of the Montserrat mountains, located in Catalonia. The facade of the building amazes with the variety of color schemes, which are achieved using multi-colored metal panels with 4,000 lighting devices. These elements form complex color combinations, which creates a “pixelated” effect. However, from a distance, all the pixels merge, and Agbar Tower seems to shimmer with all the colors of the rainbow. The 38-storey building has become one of the most important symbols of the new Barcelona.
The famous masterpiece from the Spaniard Santiago Calatrava, the Alamillo pedestrian bridge, was built in 1992 in Seville. The uniqueness of the 200-meter-long pipeline laid across the Guadalaquir River is that its weight is supported by only one support and 13 stretched steel cables. At night, the bridge, painted entirely white, takes on a very picturesque coloration.
The modern culinary arts center complex was built in 2011 in the city of Guipuzcoa. The architecture of this object, which cannot leave indifferent even the most distant person from architecture, is formed with the help of curved surfaces randomly located on top of each other. The building includes premises for training students of culinary institutes, lecture halls, cafes, shops and even its own mini-farm. It is worth noting that the Culinary Arts Center was nominated for the Plataforma Arquitectura award as the best architectural object of 2011, but took an honorable third place.
6. Multifunctional sports arena "Bilbao Arena" in Bilbao
Multifunctional sports arena "Bilbao Arena"
Bilbao Arena
Opened in 2010, the multifunctional sports arena in Bilbao is one of the most environmentally friendly in the world. This sports facility mainly hosts basketball matches, but recently it has increasingly hosted music concerts and various cultural events. Also on the territory of the arena there are gyms and a swimming pool.
7. Villa "Home for Life" in Palma de Mallorca
Villa "Home for Life" in Palma de Mallorca
"House for Life" in Palma de Mallorca
Villa "House for Life", the architecture of which has no analogues in the world, was built in 2009 in the main resort city of Spain, Palma de Mallorca. The house consists of two buildings - rectangular in plan and curved. The first contains a living room, bedrooms, guest rooms and a kitchen-dining room, and the second contains an office and a home theater. The residential group also includes a stunningly beautiful swimming pool, connected to the main area by a decorative staircase.
8. Bilbao City Hall
Villa "City Hall in Bilbao
The unusually shaped modern building of the Bilbao City Hall was built in the city center. According to its purpose, this masterpiece of deconstructivism from IMB Architects is supposed to replace the old Bilbao Town Hall, built back in the 90s of the 20th century. The building contains exhibition halls, cafes, restaurants, meeting rooms, offices and conference rooms.
The Forum building was designed by the Swiss tandem of architects Herzog & de Meuron and built specifically for the Forum of Cultures in the capital of Catalonia in 2004. In plan, this avant-garde building is an equilateral triangle with sides of 180 meters and a height of 25 meters. Of particular interest are the building's facades with curved glass panels stretching the entire height of the complex. This stunning building plays a vital role in shaping the image of modern Barcelona.
10. Architectural complex "City of Arts and Sciences" in Valencia
"City of Arts and Sciences" is a stunning architectural complex of five buildings that are located on the drained bed of the Turia River in the resort city of Valencia. The idea and general concept of the complex belongs to the legendary architect, born in this city, Santiago Calatrava. The implementation of such a large-scale project lasted from 1996 to 2005. The City of Arts and Sciences complex includes an opera house, an IMAX cinema, a planetarium, a garden gallery, a science museum and an outdoor oceanographic park. This ensemble is one of the most striking and extraordinary masterpieces of modern architecture in both Spain and the whole world.
11. Business complex "4 towers" in Madrid
Business complex "4 towers" in Madrid
Business complex "4 towers" from a bird's eye view
The 4 Towers business complex includes the 4 tallest buildings in Spain: the 225-meter "Space Tower", the 236-meter Sasir-Vallehermoso Tower, the 249-meter Baron Norman Foster Glass Tower and, finally, the tallest, the 250-meter tower. Caja Madrid." All 4 buildings were erected in the Spanish capital between 1999 and 2005. The square surrounded by these giants has become the center of attraction for both citizens and businessmen from all over the world making business visits to the capital of the Kingdom of Spain.
The Edificio Mirador residential complex, 63 meters high (21 floors), stands out from the background of standard buildings with a huge central opening, which is a kind of public balcony with a stunningly beautiful garden and enchanting views of the local surroundings. Also, the huge hole has a security function - in the event of a terrorist attack, the blast wave will pass through the huge hole.
Located in the La Barceloneta area with predominant low-rise buildings, the tower fits very harmoniously into the surrounding landscape. The main feature of this glass giant is its strongly protruding consoles. They increase the usable area of the building and form its unique appearance. It is worth recognizing that most people have an extremely ambiguous attitude towards this skyscraper.
The architectural complex of buildings, located in the city of San Sebastian, consists of two huge prisms - a large auditorium, as well as multi-purpose and exhibition halls. The Palace of Congresses was built according to the design of the Spaniard Rafael Moneo and opened in 1999. The concert hall, which seats about 2 thousand spectators, also serves as the venue for the largest international film festival. At different levels of the architectural ensemble there are open terraces with stunning views of Zurriola beach and the mouth of the Urumea River.
The incredible Metropol Parasol complex, located in the medieval part of Seville, is the world's largest architectural structure made of wood. This large-scale facility includes a farmers' market, several restaurants and bars, and an archaeological museum, which displays real archaeological excavations. The main feature of Metropol Parasol are the pedestrian paths and observation decks on the roof, which offer stunning panoramic views of the capital of Andalusia.
The Museum of Contemporary Art of Castilla was built in 2005 in León. The main goal of this cultural institution is the constant replenishment and storage of works of art created no earlier than 1992. The museum received an international vocation and was even noted by the American edition of The New York Times as “one of the most amazing and daring museums that has radically changed the modern appearance of Castile. Of course, this museum is considered the main attraction of Leon.
The construction of a huge cultural center, combining all kinds of exhibition pavilions, an observation platform, a music center, a theater stage, cinema halls, dance floors and much more, was completed in 2010. The author of the project was the Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer. With the advent of this large multifunctional complex, the main industrial city of the autonomous province of Asturias has turned into a real cultural center, attracting hundreds of tourists from all over the world.
The spectacular tower of the Porta Fira hotel, located in the capital of Catalonia, was designed by the famous Japanese architect Toyo Ito and completed in 2009. Tourists and local residents are amazed by the organic shape of the tower and the incredible texture of its facades, which is a consequence of the use of red aluminum pipes. It is these metal elements that give the hotel walls the effect of vibration and serve as blinds. The Porta Fira tower is considered one of the main masterpieces of deconstructivism in the world.
The Puerta America Hotel, located in the capital of Spain, is a completely unprecedented phenomenon in the history of architecture, because 19 famous architects from all over the world simultaneously took part in its creation, literally dividing the entire hotel complex among themselves by floor. Among those who took part in such an unusual experiment are Zaha Hadid, Norman Foster, Jean Nouvel, David Chipperfield, Arata Isozaki and many others. More information about the history of the creation of this hotel can be found in.
20. Twin Towers "Gateway of Europe" in Madrid
Twin Towers "Gateway to Europe" in Madrid
Twin Towers "Gateway of Europe": fragment of the facade
Construction of Spain's second tallest building, a complex of two identical 114-meter towers in Madrid, was completed in 1994. These skyscrapers, tilted towards each other at an angle of 15°, are the world's first tilted skyscrapers.
The hospital, built in 2012 in the town of Mostoles, is the first medical institution in Spain named after a king. The author of the project, Rafael de La Hoza, presented to the public a new type of hospital, based on three main principles: maximum efficiency, light and silence. The hospital complex consists of two small towers located on a rectangular stylobate. Most floors have atriums. Movement inside the hospital is carried out through circular galleries and elevators. In fact, the stylobate plays the role of a hospital, and the small towers are a clinic.
One of Spain's most recognizable buildings, the Tenerife Auditorium is the result of Santiago Calatrava's creative process. Construction of one of the most significant and famous works of modern architecture was completed in 2003. The scale of this building is simply amazing - the roof alone reaches 100 meters in length and weighs about 350 tons. The theater building includes two halls - an organ hall (1616 seats) and a chamber hall (424 seats). It is curious that you can enter the theater from two sides. Tenerife Auditorium also provides its visitors with the opportunity to spend time in harmony with nature on special terraces with sea views.
A unique facility, located in a small town near Valencia, serves two purposes at once: it is a dormitory for students of the local university and social housing. The complex includes 102 units for young students, 40 apartments for retirees and a community center. One of the most important principles when creating this hostel was the organization of public spaces that help improve communication and interaction between residents.
The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is a huge exhibition space of stone, glass and titanium, following the contours of the Nervión River. Since the design and construction of this huge complex in Bilbao received little press coverage, the opening of the building in 1997 caused an explosion of delight among both the local population and true art connoisseurs. It was this incredible building that elevated its author, American architect Frank Gehry, to the rank of great architects of our time.
25. Olympic Pavilion "Fish" in Barcelona
Olympic Pavilion "Fish"
The unique sculpture of a golden fish is another Spanish masterpiece by Fank Gehry, erected on the coast of Barcelona especially for the 1992 Olympic Games. This structure of gilded steel mesh, glass and stone at one time became a real technological breakthrough in the field of architecture. It is interesting to note that when creating a model of the future pavilion, Gehry used a 3D aircraft modeling program for the first time.
Thanks to favorable climatic conditions, the construction of private villas is very developed in Spain, as can be seen in the examples of, and.
