The Capitol Building: a symbol of Madrid

Madrid's Gran Vía is a true paradise for architecture lovers. The “Madrid Broadway” is lined with buildings of different styles that, despite what one might initially think, form a harmonious ensemble.

Today, we would like to tell you about one of the icons of this quintessentially Madrid street: the Capitol Building.



Don’t know which one it is? Then it’s very easy. Head to Callao Square, and there, dividing the traffic between Jacometrezo Street and Gran Vía, you will come across a slender building that is easily recognizable thanks to its iconic Schweppes neon sign, which night after night illuminates Madrid’s skyline.

History of the Capitol Building:
Luis Martinez Feduchi Ruiz and Vicente Eced y Eced were the architects who designed the project in the Art Deco style. The Capitol, also known as the Carrión Building after its first owner, began construction in 1931, with the works being completed in 1933.



The original project included a hotel, a cinema with capacity for 2,000 people, offices, retail spaces, and a café, and introduced innovative construction features such as elevators and air conditioning. In fact, it was the first building in Madrid with centralized air conditioning, with the machinery occupying an entire floor.

The original idea was for neon signs to completely cover its ship-shaped façade, following the example of places such as Times Square in New York and Piccadilly Circus in London.

The Hotel:
Today, it is possible to stay behind the famous illuminated sign that was immortalized on the big screen in Álex de la Iglesia’s film The Day of the Beast. The Vincci Capitol Hotel has occupied this city landmark for several years and is also the only hotel in Spain with a cinema inside.

The 143 rooms at Vincci Capitol Hotel offer guests the opportunity to stay in the heart of Gran Vía, the perfect place to experience the pulse of the city.

And whenever you need a break, its terraces with magnificent views over the city, together with its relaxing Nammu Spa, will make you lose track of time.

Check availability now at Vincci Capitol Hotel on our website.

Or, if you would like to learn more about this hotel, you can watch the feature on Vincci Capitol Hotel on YouTube.

"Come. Be surprised. Discover more than 40 four- and five-star hotels where every experience is unique. Open your eyes. Look around. Enjoy the most privileged locations. See. Touch. Feel a design and style reflected in every detail. Rest. Relax. Let yourself be cared for by a service where you are at the centre. Dream. Smile. Live. You are at a Vincci."

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