Gate of Europe Monument

Address: Plaza de Castilla, Madrid, Spain

Hours: Public plaza (open 24 hours)

The Gate of Europe (Torres KIO) are a pair of inclined office towers at Plaza de Castilla in Madrid, Spain, and are notable as one of the city’s most visible modern landmarks. Designed by Philip Johnson and John Burgee, the towers are famous for their pronounced tilt.

The two buildings stand side by side and lean symmetrically toward one another at about 15 degrees; each tower rises to roughly 114 metres with multiple floors of offices. The ensemble forms a prominent gateway on the northern approach into central Madrid and is frequently photographed from the plaza and surrounding streets.

Construction and completion took place in the late 20th century as a high-profile commercial project for the area; the buildings have housed offices and commercial spaces since their opening. The towers have become an architectural reference point for Madrid’s late-20th-century skyline.

The towers sit on the Plaza de Castilla transport hub in northern Madrid, immediately adjacent to major road arteries and a large metro/bus interchange. The site is within the city limits of Madrid and is part of the financial and business district north of the city centre.

• Access: Located at Plaza de Castilla in northern Madrid, with direct access by metro and bus lines.
• Design: The twin towers lean toward each other at an angle of about 15 degrees and are each roughly 114 metres tall.

Plaza de Castilla is served by Madrid’s Metro lines (lines 1, 10, and 4 at Plaza de Castilla station) and multiple bus routes. The towers are immediately visible from the metro exit.

• View the Gate of Europe from Plaza de Castilla for the best photographic angle showing their dramatic lean.
• Combine a visit with the nearby Torres KIO business complex and the rooftop viewing platform at the Caja Madrid tower.
• Avoid trying to stand directly beneath the leaning towers during gusty conditions; the plaza is safe but the optical effect is disturbing at close quarters.