Plaza de Espana (Spain Square), Madrid

Constructed mainly during the Franco era and dominated by two early Spanish skyscrapers, this popular meeting point serves as a striking punctuation mark at the end of Gran Vía and offers a reprieve from the densely packed streets to the east.

It was the Spanish dictator's endeavor to showcase Spain as a dynamic and modern nation. The monumental residential complex of Spain Building ("Edificio de España"), positioned at the head of the square, resembles something out of 1920s New York but was actually completed in 1953. Four years later, the 32-story Madrid Tower ("Torre de Madrid"), nicknamed "La Jirafa" (the Giraffe), briefly held the title of Spain's tallest building and the tallest concrete structure in the world.

The centerpiece of the square is its magnificent stone obelisk, constructed in 1928. Standing before the obelisk is a statue of Cervantes, with Don Quixote mounted on his horse Rocinante and Sancho Panza trotting alongside on his donkey.

The space has recently been renovated, adding 1,300 new trees and two exciting playgrounds for children. It also serves as a venue for occasional festivities and hosts an intriguing craft fair during the San Isidro festival (around May 15).

Why You Should Visit:
Typical tourist destination with nice sculptures, a beautiful fountain and plenty of seats to rest and watch the sunset/world go by. There are plenty of food vendors around and the surrounding streets are teeming with cafes, bars and restaurants.

Tip:
Beyond the square lies a blend of aristocratic suburbs, university campuses, and parkland, characterized by the lush green spaces of the West Park ("Parque del Oeste") and Countryside House Park ("Casa de Campo"). Notable attractions include the eclectic collections of the Cerralbo Museum, the fascinating Museum of the Americas, the Royal Chapel of St. Anthony of La Florida with its stunning Goya frescoes, and further out, the pleasant royal residence of El Pardo. Meanwhile, the spacious terraces along the Rosales Promenade ("Paseo del Pintor Rosales") offer ample opportunities for refreshment.