“Need a physio appointment?” That’s probably what people ask when they find themselves at Calle de Alcalá 126. But let’s talk more about the street itself, one of Madrid’s most important thoroughfares.
Calle de Alcalá is one of Madrid’s oldest and longest streets. It stretches for 11 kilometers. That’s 6.8 miles from Puerta del Sol to the northeastern edge of the city.
Back in 1837, Henry David Inglis described Calle de Alcalá. He called it long and superbly wide. He also noted its splendid range of unequal buildings.
Construction on Calle de Alcalá began in the early fifteenth century. This makes it the oldest street in Madrid. It starts at kilometer zero in Puerta del Sol. This is considered the very center of Spain.
The street leads to places like the Royal Customs House. It also goes to the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando. At the intersection with Seville Street stands the Calatravas Church.
For much of the 19th century, Calle de Alcalá was known as Banker Street. It was the financial heart of Madrid and Spain.
You’ll find many landmarks along Calle de Alcalá. These include Banco Bilbao Vizcaya at number 16 and Edificio Metrópolis. Don’t miss the Unión y el Fénix Español building at number 23. Other notable spots include the Círculo de Bellas Artes and Plaza de Cibeles. Of course, there’s also the Puerta de Alcalá.
Other landmarks include the Spanish Ministry of Education. You can also find the Instituto Cervantes HQ building and the Bank of Spain building. And there is the Parque del Buen Retiro and Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas.
Once a year, the traditional festival of transhumance takes place. Shepherds reclaim the road for their sheep. You can see a large flock of sheep walking through the city center.
So next time you are at 126 Calle de Alcalá, remember the rich history of this iconic street. It is more than just an address. It is a vital part of Madrid’s story.