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All Spain Madrid The Girder of Peace
AO Edited

The Girder of Peace

This girder was hit by a bomb during the Spanish Civil War, but nobody knew about it until 2016.

Madrid, Spain

Added By
Javier Pascual Aguilar
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The broken girder was refashioned into a symbol of peace.   Xavixavir / Atlas Obscura User
The broken girder was refashioned into a symbol of peace.   Xavixavir / Atlas Obscura User
This sign of the damage caused by war now stands for a better future.   Xavixavir / Atlas Obscura User
Visitors can clearly see the damage here.   Xavixavir / Atlas Obscura User
The girder turned art   Xavixavir / Atlas Obscura User
The girder has become a symbol for peace.   Xavixavir / Atlas Obscura User
The birds emerge from the pierced beam   Luis Morato / Atlas Obscura User
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About

During the Spanish Civil War (1936-39), the Telefónica building, which played a key role in telecommunications, on the Gran Vía in Madrid was a frequent target of air raids. While the building itself was successfully hit, there were also several bombs and mortar shells that fell in the surrounding area, missing their target by a few meters.

One of those mortar shells ended up across the street in a building that currently is a hotel. The mortar shell blew a hole in the girder, yet the structural integrity of the building held despite the damage. It was not until 2016 when said building underwent a complete renovation that the hole in the girder was found.

The international hotel chain that purchased the building decided to keep the beam the way it was and use it as a decorative element, a piece of art that represents peace and unity. 

Related Tags

War History Military History Art

Know Before You Go

The girder of peace is one of the hotel's special gems and it is shown on the 10th floor. Take the elevator to the 10th floor and as you exit the elevator you'll see the girder of peace right in front of you.

Community Contributors

Added By

Xavixavir

Edited By

theprinceali313, Luis Morato

  • theprinceali313
  • Luis Morato

Published

November 10, 2023

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  • https://www.hosteltur.com/126402_vestigios-bomba-otras-curiosidades-hyatt-centric-gran
The Girder of Peace
Gran Vía, 31
Madrid, 28013
Spain
40.419953, -3.703869
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Nearby Places

Statue of Diana the Huntress

Madrid, Spain

miles away

Gran Vía Museum and Palacios Pavilion

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'La Plaza de la Luna'

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miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Madrid

Madrid

Spain

Places 123
Stories 2

Nearby Places

Statue of Diana the Huntress

Madrid, Spain

miles away

Gran Vía Museum and Palacios Pavilion

Madrid, Spain

miles away

'La Plaza de la Luna'

Madrid, Spain

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Madrid

Madrid

Spain

Places 123
Stories 2

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