Three Days in Madrid — Day One continues

Edificio Metrópolis

Continuing our Day One walk-around Madrid, we headed back to the west from Buen Retiro Park. Traveling alone Calle de Alcalá we found some architectural gems rivaling those along Gran Via. Just outside the park is the Puerta de Alcalá in the Plaza de la Independencia.

Puerta de Alcalá

Make sure you zoom in on that area atop the arch:

Puerta de Alcalá

Continuing west you reach the Plaza de Cibeles, which contains the magnificent Cybele Palace:

Cybele Palace, Plaza de Cibeles

Continuing along Calle de Alcalá you pass in quick succession the Church of San José:

Iglesia de San José

The Edificio Metrópolis (pictured at the top of this article; closeup here) built in 1911:

Edificio Metrópolis

Along the way I also found this beautiful red cat watching over everyone below, as cats are wont to do:

Red Cat

Next up was the Church of the Calatravas:

Iglesia de las Calatravas

And right next to the church is this bit of Art Deco architectural style:

Madrid building

This Friday will not be the usual Fun Photo Friday, but rather a Fun Food Friday as we go out to dine on that quintessential Spanish tradition—tapas. To get to our restaurant we have to go south through Plaza de Canalejas, passing right by the beautiful Edificio Menses with its intricate brickwork and colorful ornamentation:

Edificio Menses, Plaza de Canalejas