Paris1972-Versailles2003

Let me tell you about another emblematic building of my dear Madrid and even if on a popular street , it is off the beaten path trip. This is the case of the Metropoli building just at Calle de Alcalà (my street) but many thinks it is in Gran Via; I will explain,and tell you a bit more of this emblematic building of my Madrid. This is an updated post with new text and links for you and me, Therefore, here is my take on the Metropoli of Madrid !! Hope you enjoy it as I.

The Metropolis is a French-inspired building, located at the corner of Calle de Alcalá  and Gran Vía. It was inaugurated on January 21, 1911, after been awarded by competition and designed by French architects Jules and Raymond Février for the insurance company La Union y el Fénix ( Phoenix). The final work was carried out by the Spaniard Luis Esteve Fernández-Caballero.

There is an austere ground floor, but  the upper floors, in neo-Renaissance style, are adorned with Corinthian columns and entablatures that serve as a pedestal for allegorical statues of Commerce, Agriculture, Industry and Mining. The circular tower is crowned by a slate dome with gold inlays, which due to its resemblance to the firemen helmet is called “Firemen style”(Bombero).it is adorned with 30,000 24 carat gold loaves. In the sunlight it shines more than any other building in its surroundings and at night, 205 spotlights give it spectacular lighting. Originally, it supported the company’s symbol, an allegorical bronze statue of the Fénix (Phoenix) on which there was a human figure with the raised arm representing Ganymede, the original Fénix (Phoenix) is ​​now in the garden of the headquarters of the Mutua Madrileña (insurance co.), at Paseo de la Castellana, 33. The figure that we can see today is a Winged Victory.

The interior of the Metropolis building is little known by the general public since it is not visited. All its space is destined to offices of the insurance company Metropolis. From inside you can admire the stained glass windows of the prestigious firm Maumejean. The structure of the building consists of six floors and two basements. The interior of the dome is empty and the roof, with a privileged location, also has no assigned use.

The story goes ,it was built on the land liberated during the construction of the Gran Vía, when the popularly known as “Casa del Ataùd” (house of the coffin) collapsed, so named because of the narrowness of the lot where it was located, between the streets Calle de Alcalá and Calle Caballero de Gracia. It is commonly assumed that Gran Vía begins in the Metropolis building. However, its exact address is Calle de Alcalá ,39. The first building at the beginning of Gran Vía at nº 1, is the Edifciio Grassy (building).

The Madrid tourist office on the Metropoli :https://www.esmadrid.com/en/tourist-information/metropolis-building

The official Metropolis insurance co nice pictures : http://www.metropolis-sa.es/

There you go folks, another gem for your leisure walks of gorgeous Madrid, my Madrid !. The area is full of shops,restos, bars well its Madrid. Again, hope you enjoy this post on the Metropoli of Madrid as I

And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!