Telefónica Building

Dominating the skyline about one-third of the way along Gran Vía is the 1920s-era Telefónica building, which was for years the highest building in the city. During the civil war, when Madrid was besieged by Franco’s forces and the boulevard became known as "Howitzer Alley" due to the artillery shells that rained down upon it, the Telefónica building was a favored target. These days it hosts exhibitions and can arrange guided tours.