From above: Madrid skyscrapers
It does not have the tallest buildings in the world. However, the skyscrapers of Madrid were and are symbols of the city's growth. In Hnos. Montoya, bus rental company for the business and tourism sector, we climb to the top of the city to review the history of its most unique buildings.
The first skyscraper in Madrid
At the beginning of the 20th century the urban planning of Madrid changes substantially. The city was growing and its buildings too. At this time, on the axis of the Gran Vía with Calle Alcalá, buildings are built that remain a reference. A great example is the Metropolis Building, also known as the Palace of the Union and the Phoenix. This period also dates the Palace of the Press. However, the first skyscraper in Madrid (and Spain) was the Telephone building with about 90 meters high. This construction, completed in 1930 by the architect Ignacio de Cárdenas Pastor, had a New York inspiration.
Taller yet
Mid 20th century two icons of the Madrid skyline were built in Plaza España. Bill Building Spain, with its 25 plants, it was the first to overcome the 100 meters high. This construction finished in 1953 stands out for its neo-baroque style. A symbol that soon appeared competition. The Tower of Madrid It was until 1960 the tallest concrete building in the world.
In the decade of the 70 the list of skyscrapers in Madrid continues to grow and moves away from the center. The Colon Towers, on the Paseo de la Castellana, he did not beat any record high with its 110 meters. However, it did on a technological level. This pioneering project had a reverse construction. Other unique buildings of this era, which still catch the eyes of Madrid, are the Torres Blancas building with its characteristic lattice balconies or the Tower of Valencia that was a great aesthetic break.
The last skyscrapers of Madrid
In the 90 years a new protagonist appears. The Plaza de Castilla became the financial and tourist reference of the capital. He Azca complex, inspired by the Rockefeller Center in New York, includes 3 unique buildings: Castellana 81, Europa Tower and Picasso Tower. And, a few years later, a new horizon is drawn. 1996 concludes the works of Puerta Europa, popularly known as Kio Towers. These two constructions were the first inclined skyscrapers in the world.
But to have the current map of the skyscrapers of Madrid We had to wait. The 21st century opens with new constructions. Torre Espacio, with 224 meters and 56 plants, PwC Tower, with 236 meters and 52 plants, Cepsa Tower with 248 meters and 49 plants and Crystal Tower, with 249 meters and 50 plants - the latter is considered the highest in Spain and the fourth highest in Europe. These imposing skyscrapers in Madrid extend the city's skyline. They are all in the so-called CTBA (Cuatro Torres Business Area business park) occupying the grounds of the former Real Madrid Sports City.
The future: new skyscrapers in Madrid
Madrid's profile is still alive. The inauguration of the known as "Fifth tower" CTBA is very close. The Caleido tower It will have 181 meters and 36 plants. A new skyscraper in Madrid that will evolve the image of a city in continuous movement.