Edificio España

Edificio España is a 117-meter-tall skyscraper with 27 floors that rises prominently from Plaza de España in central Madrid. The structure features a neo-baroque limestone facade and houses a 360-room hotel, office spaces, retail shops, and a rooftop swimming pool across its multiple levels.

Construction began in 1948 and finished in 1953, making it Madrid's tallest building at that time until the Torre de Madrid surpassed it shortly after. This marked a crucial moment when the city began rebuilding and expanding upward following the Spanish Civil War.

The building reflects Madrid's shift toward modernity in the 1950s, when the city embraced new architectural ambitions. Today, visitors can see how residential, commercial, and office spaces coexist within its walls, showing how urban life was being reimagined.

The building is accessible through multiple elevator systems, with 32 lifts serving the various floors and functions. Visitors should know that the rooftop pool and other amenities are part of a working hotel and commercial complex, so access conditions vary depending on the current use of the space.

One of Spain's largest Zara flagship stores occupies multiple levels within the building, spanning a substantial retail footprint. This massive shopping space has become a major draw for visitors exploring the building and its commercial offerings.

Location: Madrid

Inception: 1948

Architects: Julián Otamendi Machimbarrena

Official opening: October 6, 1953

Architectural style: baroque revival

Floors above the ground: 27

Elevators: 32

Height: 117 m

GPS coordinates: 40.42419,-3.71094

Latest update: December 14, 2025 20:01