Iconic dark skyscrapers surround the golden obelisk and gardens of this plaza at the heart of one of Madrid’s principal commercial thoroughfares.
The Plaza de Castilla is a leafy square on a roundabout flanked by the Puerta de Europa Towers. At the center of this iconic plaza rises the Caja Madrid Obelisk, while scenic gardens grace its southeastern corner. Relax beside the elegant fountain at the core of the plaza and watch people go by.
Admire the slanted design of the two black towers on the northern side of the roundabout. The tall skyscrapers lean precipitously toward one another and are covered in black bobbles, red lines and geometric sections of mirrored panels.
For more classical architectural designs, inspect the Monumento a José Calvo Sotelo that is dedicated to the politician killed during the Second Spanish Republic regime of the 1930s. It is said that his death sparked the Spanish Civil War. Look up at the golden Caja Madrid Obelisk that rises 301 feet (92 meters) in the air. It was built in 2009 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the bank’s inauguration.
Marvel at another otherworldly structure in the form of the Water Tower, which stands in the southeastern part of the plaza. Appreciate the green and spacious setting of the Cuarto Depósito park and garden behind the water tower. Stroll around the ponds and let your kids frolic in the children’s playground.
Head south along the Paseo de la Castellana for the array of restaurants, cafés and bars that line it. You’ll also find art galleries and shopping centers.
The Plaza de Castilla is in the Chamartín district in the northern part of Madrid. Drive north from the city center for about 20 minutes or take the train to the Madrid Chamartín railway station. You can also get here by bus or ride the metro to the Plaza de Castilla stop. While in this part of the city, check out the Santana Art Gallery, El Doblón and the Castellana 200 shopping center.
