Plaza España

The Plaza de España is 36,900 square meters (397,188 square feet), thus one of the largest squares in the country. Its central location makes it ideal to take photographs or rest on one of its many benches watching people go by before heading to your next attraction. This square also has a number of restaurants, cinemas, theatres, stores and shows nearby.

Places of interest

• Torre de Madrid: Built between 1954 and 1957, the Torre de Madrid stands 465 ft (142 m)-tall making it the tallest building in Madrid when it was constructed. Nowadays, it’s the eighth tallest skyscraper in the city. For a few years, the Torre de Madrid was also the tallest concrete structure in the world. 
• Edificio España (Spain Building): The Neo-baroque style building has a peculiar red brick stepped façade and has presided over Plaza de España since 1953. When it was built, it housed a shopping centre, luxury apartments and offices. It has recently been reformed and now is the RIU hotel.
• Casa Gallardo (House of Gallardo): Located on the corner of the Calle Ferraz, the Casa Gallardo is an impressive Modernist building constructed between 1909 and 1914. The House of Gallardo has a unique beauty but is often missed by passers-by who don’t look up to see it.  
• Edificio de la Compañía Asturiana de Minas: Built between 1891 and 1899 by the Compañía Asturiana de Minas (Asturian Mining Company), this striking stone, brick and slate building crowned by three turrets is one of the most elegant buildings in the city centre.
• Cervantes Monument: Inaugurated in 1929, the Cervantes Monument depicts the Spanish novelist Miguel de Cervantes overlooking two sculptures representing his beloved characters Don Quixote and Sancho Panza from his world-famous novel Don Quijote de la Mancha.

The square has several gardens and fountains with numerous olive trees that provide refreshing shade during the hottest months of the year.