Plaza de Colón in Madrid: the Columbus monument, the Torres de Colón and gardens
The Plaza de Colón is a big junction of modern Madrid, where the Paseo de Recoletos, the Paseo de la Castellana and calle de Serrano meet. It has the monument to Christopher Columbus, the Torres de Colón and a huge Spanish flag. It is a place you pass through, not a site to linger at: allow 20 to 30 minutes, more if you go into the neighbouring museums. Access is free at any hour.
Highlights
The Columbus monument and the Torres de Colón
The statue of Christopher Columbus stands on a tall column in the square's gardens. Behind it, the Torres de Colón, two 1970s office towers with an unusual structure, are one of the square's landmarks.
The Jardines del Descubrimiento
Beneath the square, these gardens hold carved blocks dedicated to the discovery of America; below them is a cultural centre with a theatre.
The Spanish flag
A huge flag flies over the square and can be seen from afar along the Paseo de la Castellana.
The neighbouring museums
The National Archaeological Museum, the National Library and the Mapfre Foundation are a few minutes' walk away; see the National Archaeological Museum and the Mapfre Foundation.
Practical info
Tips
- Free access. It is a square on busy main roads: cross at the crossings. The gardens are easy for wheelchairs and pushchairs. For a walk, go down the Paseo de Recoletos towards Cibeles, or up calle de Serrano, the luxury shopping avenue (see the Salamanca district).
How to get there
Plaza de Colón, 28001 Madrid. Colón metro (line 4) or Serrano (line 4), 3 minutes' walk. From the Puerta del Sol, allow 25 minutes on foot or 10 minutes by metro with a change.
Opening hours
Our guides that feature it
Nearby
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