The capital of one of the largest empires in the world couldn’t have been more impressive! With its wonderful architecture, mind-blowing museums, spectacular views, superb green spaces and delicious food, Madrid quickly earned a place in my heart. By far, my favourite experience was strolling along the large boulevards and admire the capital’s diverse architecture, a “showcase of early 20th-century revival architecture, with architectural styles ranging from Vienna Secession style, Plateresque, Neo-Mudéjar, Art Deco, and others”.

I must admit to spending a whole lot of time taking pictures of the wonderful buildings on Gran Vía, Calle Mayor and around the city’s main squares (Puerta del Sol, Cibeles, Plaza Mayor or Plaza de España). Here’s a photo essay with some of the most beautiful buildings in Madrid, Spain.

Abrantes Palace (today headquarters of the Italian Cultural Institute in Madrid) on Calle Mayor in Madrid

Building in Plaza de Espana in Madrid

Building on Gran Via in Madrid

CaixaForum Madrid on Paseo del Prado in Madrid

Circulo de Bellas Artes on Gran Via in Madrid

Crystal Palace in Madrid’s Buen Retiro Park

Edificio Carrión Capitol Building on Gran Via in Madrid

Facade of the Museum of History of Madrid

Fomento Palace (the Ministry of Agriculture headquarters) in Madrid

Iberostar Las Letras Hotel on Gran Via in Madrid

Instituto Cervantes in Madrid

La Adriatica Building on Gran Via in Madrid

Metropolis Building on Gran Via in Madrid

National Museum of Anthropology in Madrid

Oratory of Caballero de Gracia on Gran Via in Madrid

Palazuelo House on Calle Mayor in Madrid

Petit Palace Posada del Peine Hotel in Madrid

Royal Palace of Madrid

Santalucia Seguros (Insurance) headquarters in Plaza de Espana in Madrid

The Cybele Palace in Plaza de Cibeles in Madrid