From the view down Madrid's Calle Gran Via from my room at the Hotel Atlantico, I enjoyed a terrific vantage of Diana, Roman Goddess of the Hunt. Set atop the Hyatt Centric Gran Via Madrid, she was set to release her arrow from the rooftop of this American Hotel in the heart of the Spanish capital.

This unexpected pleasure was just one of many ornamental rooftops along Madrid's spectacular main drag. The architecture of Madrid, like any older capital of Europe, ranges widely from period to period. What pleased me, however, is the effort to maintain and improve upon the skyline in this modern age.

31 Gran Via, Madrid

The Hyatt Centric Gran Via Madrid, 31 Calle Gran Via, was renovated from the bones of a 1927 structure, which primarily featured offices. Rising over 100 ft., or nine floors above the street, it features restaurants and retail shops in addition to the 200 room hotel.

Soft, but stately lines, sweep across the building facade. Gentle curves add grace to the otherwise symmetrical appearance of the structure. However, it is the sculpture of Diana and her Dogs, slender and smooth, that speaks to the grandeur of Spain.

Original Design

While conducting my research for this piece, I found this architectural drawing of the original building, from 1925. Twin spires rose above twin domes in the original design.

Also on the engineering company's website was a photo of 31 Gran Via prior to the start of remodel and renovation, in 2014.

Photo and drawing credit - http://sharearchitects.com

This last photo, taken from a small viewing room at the very top of my hotel, overlooks a sumptuous courtyard with a grand view of the street below. Diana's drawn bow, her baying hounds arrayed around her, scramble at the ledge of 31 Gran Via, amidst those same twin domes.

A Slice of Skyline

Madrid is on the march to modernity, but not, it seems, at the expense of her history, beauty, and flair for the dramatic. The addition of the sculptures adds depth and interest to this already busy skyline, but in a way that honors the past and speaks well of the future.

All photos are mine except those so noted.