Running from the Cybele Fountain to the Neptune Fountain, this avenue was designed for King Charles III, the «enlightened» monarch who remodelled Madrid. It used to be considered good form to be seen at the evening 'parade': ladies of fashion in carriages, glances concealed by fans, and swaggering cavaliers met each other there. Apart from the carriages and horses, little has changed in this area, with two temples to luxury: the Ritz and Palace Hotels on either side of the Neptune Fountain.