Madrid is a city with an incredible architectural heritage, with buildings of different styles and several decades and centuries of history.
If you are visiting the capital, you must take this opportunity and go on a tour of Madrid's architecture to discover the most iconic buildings in the capital.
Madrid Architecture Guide
Although it is impossible to list all the architecture to see in Madrid, here are 12 buildings of great beauty and architectural interest that you cannot miss:
Royal Palace
This is one of the most impressive buildings in the capital and a must-see if you are in Madrid. If you are lucky, you will be able to see the change of guard or even witness one of the official events held by the royal family. Built in the 18th century with more than 3,400 rooms, this baroque-style palace is the largest in Western Europe.
Palacio de Cibeles
Also known as the Palace of Communications, it is one of the best examples of Madrid's modernist architecture and a benchmark of this style. It is often considered the most beautiful building in Madrid because of its impeccable white façade, often the backdrop for many photos of tourists visiting the capital.
Bank of Spain
Another of the most photogenic places in the city, the Bank of Spain is a 19th century building that perfectly represents the Spanish architecture of the time. Apart from its renowned façade, the art deco elements, an impressive stained-glass window, and the clock in the Operations Courtyard particularly stand out.
Torres Blancas
This concrete monster is one of the most innovative buildings of the 20th century in Madrid and a benchmark of brutalist and organicist architecture. Its tree-like shape and imposing height make it one of the most interesting sights in the Madrid skyline.
Metrópolis Building
Presiding over the Gran Vía is this architectural icon of the capital designed by French architects in 1911. The eye-catching building is undoubtedly one of the most photographed, standing out for its ornaments and imposing slate dome with golden details. You can enjoy privileged views of the Gran Vía and the Metrópolis building from the hotel The Principal Madrid, also part of the Único Hotels group.
Doré Cinema
In addition to showing films from the Filmoteca de Madrid, the Cine Doré is a well-preserved modernist building that is well worth a visit.
Los Jerónimos
Of Gothic style with Renaissance touches, the church of Los Jerónimos was built during the reign of the Catholic Monarchs and is part of Madrid's Cultural Heritage, as well as being one of the most popular tourist attractions in the capital.
Palacio de Longoria
This modernist jewel in central Madrid was built in 1904 by the Catalan architect José Grases Riera, emulating the architecture of Gaudí and his contemporaries in Barcelona. It currently serves as the headquarters of the SGAE (Sociedad General de Autores).
Temple of Debod
What is a 2,200-year-old Egyptian temple doing in the heart of Madrid? It was a gift from Egypt to Spain in 1968, in exchange for the construction of the Aswan Dam to save the monuments of Nubia. Apart from being the most exotic monument in the city, it also offers beautiful panoramic views perfect to enjoy at sunset.
Casa Gallardo
Another example of modernist architecture in Madrid, Casa Gallardo is striking for its ornate façade. The building was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest and is located on one of the corners of the Plaza de España, so it is impossible to miss when visiting Madrid.
Crystal Palace
An essential stop if you're strolling through Parque del Retiro, the Palacio de Cristal is one of the most representative buildings of iron architecture. Formerly a greenhouse, the building is made of a metal structure covered in glass, hence its name.
CaixaForum
Opened in 2008, the CaixaForum is built on the site of a former power station dating from 1900. This industrial building was transformed by the famous Herzog and De Meuron into an avant-garde building and retains its original features, with the addition of a spectacular vertical garden and metal roof.
Your hotel to get to know Madrid's architecture
At Hotel Único Madrid you will find the best accommodation for your next cultural getaway to the capital. Our 5* hotel in the Barrio de Salamanca has a central location which makes this the best starting point to visit the most emblematic and beautiful buildings in the city. Moreover, housed in a beautiful 19th century palace, the hotel itself is an architectural delight. Don't forget to visit The Bar, an elegant space where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch or a drink.
