Velázquez Street: origin, history and present life in the heart of the Salamanca District

An axis named after a master

The Velázquez street is named after Diego Velázquez, a leading figure of the Spanish Baroque. A tribute to universal painting on a thoroughfare that became synonymous with prestige. Art lends its name to a street that today breathes design, commerce and urban life.

The Velázquez street was created in the mid-19th century within the major expansion promoted by José de Salamanca y Mayol. The entrepreneur envisioned a modern district for Madrid’s elite. Within its perimeter there was a bullring, Arab baths and even leisure “Champs-Élysées”.

Architecture and its own style

For decades, Velázquez street was known for its distinguished residents. Aristocrats, ambassadors and intellectuals lived here. Its reputation for elegance was cemented in its straight layout and stately buildings.

The promenade showcases stone façades, bay windows and period portals with concierge. Renovations have respected its classical language while adding contemporary finishes. The result is a coherent, discreet and quintessentially Madrilenian urban landscape.

Hotels, Retail, Culture and Urban rhythm

At the beginning of the Velázquez street stands the Wellington Hotel, inaugurated on 19 April 1952. The building is listed and protected, and forms part of Madrid’s architectural heritage. Closer to the center, the BLESS Hotel brings contemporary luxury and a sensory experience.

Velázquez street links boutiques, galleries and signature dining. Its grid of side streets brings museums, parks and clubs within reach. It is a convenient axis for daily life, with everything within walking distance.

Living on Velázquez today

The Velázquez street is one of Madrid’s most exclusive places to live. Standouts include large apartments, bright penthouses and refurbished homes with services. Demand is high due to its location, quiet elegance and resale liquidity.

Choose your next home

Madrid — Apartment 275 m² — 4 bedrooms
Ref. 84249998

€21,000 / month

Madrid — Apartment 185 m² — 3 bedrooms
Ref. 84816319

€7,500 / month

BARNES Madrid at Velázquez 15

Our office is located at 15 Velázquez Street. From here we advise on the purchase, sale and rental of prime properties in Barrio de Salamanca and surrounding areas. We know every doorway, every typology and every micro-location.

A tradition of excellence that continues

Velázquez street was conceived as a modern project and remains so today. It maintains its aristocratic essence with cutting-edge services. It’s the avenue where Madrid’s past and present coexist naturally.

If you’re looking for a home on Velázquez Street or in its immediate surroundings —Recoletos, Goya, Castellana— at BARNES Madrid we’ll support you with on- and off-market inventory, comparables analysis and strategic negotiation. Visit us at Velázquez 15 to discover representative apartments, penthouses with terraces and select opportunities in Barrio de Salamanca.