Banco Español de Crédito building, Historical bank building at Calle de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain.
The Banco Español de Crédito building at Calle de Alcalá in Madrid is a granite and marble structure featuring a rounded corner with a prominent clock tower. The facade spans the intersection with Paseo del Prado and displays carefully crafted architectural details throughout.
Construction of this financial institution began in 1887 under architect José Grases Riera and underwent major renovation in 1920 by Joaquín Saldaña y López. These transformations shaped the building's current appearance.
The building displays elephant head corbels supporting the first-floor balconies and houses a sculptural group created by German artist A. Knipp on child protection themes. These decorative details shape the character of this central intersection.
The building is accessible as it currently operates as a hotel, allowing visitors to view the lobby and public areas. Some interior spaces are restricted to hotel guests, so it is best to appreciate the exterior architecture from the street for a full view.
The rounded corner of the structure resembles a ship's bow and is topped with a clock that marks time for pedestrians at this central intersection. This ship-like form was an intentional design choice to visually anchor this important location in the city.
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