The Gran Via sweeps through the centre of Madrid choked with traffic at all hours of the day and night. The avenue was conceived more than a century ago to connect the new residential districts of Salamanca and Argulles. It is still a crucial link between the east and west side of the city.

A showcase for 20th century architecture, with strong French and American influences, the Gran Via was developed in three stages and took 50 years to build. One of the Madrid’s great institutions is on the right; The Museo Chicote cocktail bar still has its original art deco interior from the 1930s. On the left you see the curving rear façade of the Real Oratorio del Caballero de Gracia. Recently restored, the church was designed by Juan de Villanueva at the end of the 18th century and is one of the best examples of neoclassic architecture in Madrid.