Another familiar Madrid landmark standing out as prominently as the bow of ship is this French-
built 1911 structure designed by the brothers Jules and Raymond Février for the Union and Fenix
Insurance Company. Topped by the bust of a phoenix symbolizing winged victory, its ornate dome of
dark slate and interwoven gilt decor tower above the junction of Alcalá and the beginnings of the
Gran Vía. Collonnaded floors have statues representing trade, Agiculture, Industry, and Mining. Now
owned by the Metropolis insurance company it remains largely unchanged in appearance since the
beginning of the century (though the phoenix was replaced by a newer one in the 1970s).
Unfortunately the building is not open to the public so its charms can only be viewed from outside.

This photo is captured from the roof of a driving tourist bus.