Edificio Telefonica (Telefonica Building), Madrid
Designed by Spanish architect Ignacio de C谩rdenas, who took inspiration from American architect Lewis Weeks, this 90-meter high, 14-story American-style skyscraper has nevertheless a Spanish Baroque facade adorned with intricately sculptured ornaments. Europe's tallest structure at the time of its inauguration in 1929, it has been a symbol of Madrid and its clock a famous landmark of what has become colloquially termed as the "Madrilenian Broadway".
An interesting aspect of the building's history is that, during the Spanish Civil War, it housed the offices of the foreign press. One of the foreign journalists at the time (late 1930s), Ernest Hemingway found inspiration for his famous novel "For Whom the Bell Tolls" right here, while observing the conflict between the Nationalists and Republicans. As it happens, the building's height made it an ideal target for bombing raids by Franco's troops.
Today, Telef贸nica plays a more peaceful role in Spanish life. The first floor houses a serene caf茅 and a shop offering a wide range of communication equipment. Other floors are dedicated to the Museum of Telecommunication, the Technology Museum, and wonderful art exhibitions, providing visitors with a constant array of interesting things to see. Best of all, admission is free!
An interesting aspect of the building's history is that, during the Spanish Civil War, it housed the offices of the foreign press. One of the foreign journalists at the time (late 1930s), Ernest Hemingway found inspiration for his famous novel "For Whom the Bell Tolls" right here, while observing the conflict between the Nationalists and Republicans. As it happens, the building's height made it an ideal target for bombing raids by Franco's troops.
Today, Telef贸nica plays a more peaceful role in Spanish life. The first floor houses a serene caf茅 and a shop offering a wide range of communication equipment. Other floors are dedicated to the Museum of Telecommunication, the Technology Museum, and wonderful art exhibitions, providing visitors with a constant array of interesting things to see. Best of all, admission is free!
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Madrid. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
Edificio Telefonica (Telefonica Building) on Map
Sight Name: Edificio Telefonica (Telefonica Building)
Sight Location: Madrid, Spain (See walking tours in Madrid)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Madrid, Spain (See walking tours in Madrid)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Madrid, Spain
Create Your Own Walk in Madrid
Creating your own self-guided walk in Madrid is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Madrid Introduction Walking Tour
A city of elegant boulevards, beautiful squares, and manicured parks, the Spanish capital is renowned for its rich repositories of European art, portico-lined Plaza Mayor, baroque style Royal Palace and many other cultural and historical monuments.
Although the site of modern-day Madrid has been occupied since prehistoric times, the first historical document about an established settlement here... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Although the site of modern-day Madrid has been occupied since prehistoric times, the first historical document about an established settlement here... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Golden Mile Walking Tour
Similarly to 5th Avenue in New York City, Champs Elysee in Paris, or Bond Street in London, the Golden Mile is one of the wealthiest and most expensive neighborhoods of the Spanish capital. Forming part of Madrid's Salamanca district, this posh area is known for its upscale shopping, cultural attractions, and gastronomic delights.
One of the prominent local landmarks is Columbus Square... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
One of the prominent local landmarks is Columbus Square... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Souvenirs Shopping Tour
Shopping for souvenirs in Madrid is an exciting and delightful experience for anyone visiting the vibrant Spanish capital. Indeed, it would be a pity to leave Madrid without having explored its specialty shops and bringing home something truly original. With this in mind, we've compiled a list of must-visit locations where you can find souvenirs, which are unique to Madrid and make for... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Buen Retiro Park Walking Tour
Buen Retiro Park, which translates to "Park of the Pleasant Retreat", is one of the main attractions in Madrid. Similarly to Central Park of New York City or Hyde Park of London, this former royal retreat is the most popular public outdoor space in the Spanish capital.
A green oasis in the heart of the city, the park has long been a favorite spot for both locals and tourists to go for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
A green oasis in the heart of the city, the park has long been a favorite spot for both locals and tourists to go for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Miguel de Cervantes' Madrid Walking Tour
The name of the iconic Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes is closely associated with Madrid. The author is known for a number of works, but his 1605 novel Don Quixote de la Mancha is often held as the first modern novel.
Despite being regarded as one of the fathers of modern literature, very little is known about Cervantes' early life. Born in 1547, he had spent some of his young years in... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Despite being regarded as one of the fathers of modern literature, very little is known about Cervantes' early life. Born in 1547, he had spent some of his young years in... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Madrid Food Tour
Spain is internationally reputed as a major gastronomic power and its capital city Madrid attests to this claim, being home to vibrant food markets and multiple establishments serving traditional Spanish food in a soul-warming atmosphere.
One of the iconic food destinations is Plaza Mayor, a bustling town square where you can savor traditional Spanish dishes. The square is home to numerous... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
One of the iconic food destinations is Plaza Mayor, a bustling town square where you can savor traditional Spanish dishes. The square is home to numerous... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Madrid麓s Latin Quarter Tapas
This app is a description of bars and cafeterias of tapas and pinchos in the Latin Quarter of Madrid. Tapas and pinchos are generally bar snacks and finger foods, with pinchos generally originating from the Basque Country. The custom of tapas and pinchos-eating refers to eating at the bar, sometime...
10 Uniquely Madrid Foods to Try in Spanish Capital
There鈥檚 no better way to fall in love with a city than through its traditional cuisine. Complete meals, appetizers, beverages and sweets: all of them draw a path to a tourist heart. Madrid, the Spanish capital, has its very own unique and original dishes that can make a stay in this city a...
Madrid Souvenir Shopping Guide: Top 15 Spanish Products
They call Spain "magnificent" for a reason, as there're loads of fascinating stuff a visitor to the country might want to take home and share with family and friends. Luckily, in Madrid one can find nearly all that Spain is famous for - wine, food, fashion, arts, sports, etc. Good...
Top 16 Bars in Madrid
Madrid, the third largest city in Western Europe, is packed with an eclectic mix of bars that offer a scene for every style. In Spain鈥檚 Capital city, alcohol flows without end. Just take a walk down the streets of this vibrant city, and it seems as if every other building is a caf茅 or bar...
A Self-Guided Food Walk in Madrid
The reputation of Spain as a major gastronomic power to reckon with goes a long way. The capital city of Madrid has a lot to offer visitors in terms of soul warming food experience. On this walk you will visit some of the city's most vibrant and lively food markets and other places serving...