Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Madrid's Gran Via turns 100


It is sometimes strange to think of 100 being a relatively short period of time, but when we say something in a city as steeped in history as Madrid is 100 years old, we have to fight the urge to add "only". However, when we are talking about major thoroughfares through Madrid, then perhaps we can understand how impressive 100 years is. On April 4, 1910 King Alfonso XIII swung the first stroke for what would become Madrid's most famous, most-used road: the Gran Via. More than 100 years ago the urban architects of Madrid had the foresight to see the need for a single road that would connect old Madrid with the rapidly growing city without passing through the ever/increasingly congested Puerta del Sol. In fact, the first plan was submitted in 1861, but the final project took almost 40 years to come to fruition.

The city of Madrid will be hosting a series of events, including guided tours of the street's most famous (and not-so-famous) areas, conferences and expositions.

Check out The Spanish Touch's for more information about our services in Madrid and the surrounding areas, including Toledo, Segovia, Avila and El Escorial.

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