The Moncloa Lighthouse (Faro de Moncloa) is a 110-metre-high viewpoint tower located at the entrance to the University City of Madrid, in the District of Moncloa.
The lighthouse can be reached on foot in about 5 minutes from the exit of the Moncloa Metro Station along a pedestrian walkway.
The entrance to the lighthouse costs about 4€, and once inside you will take the panoramic lift to the top floor. From there you can enjoy a privileged 360º view of the whole city of Madrid and its surroundings. The visit lasts about 30 minutes.
Next to the Moncloa Lighthouse is the Museum of America (Museo de América), as well as other unique buildings in the University City that can also be visited. Also nearby is the Parque del Oeste, from where you can walk to the Madrid Cable Car, the Temple of Debod or Plaza España.
History of the Moncloa Lighthouse and views from the viewing point
This unique building was built in 1992 as a lighting tower. During its history, the tower has gone through different phases, having been closed to the public for some years. Nowadays, the tower is open to anyone who wants to visit it as a viewpoint.
From the viewpoint on the top floor you can see the whole city of Madrid, and from the place itself it points out and explains where the main buildings of the city are, for example, the main skyscrapers of La Castellana, the buildings of Plaza España, the Royal Palace, the Casa de Campo, the Parque del Oeste, the Palacio de la Moncloa, etc. as well as the surrounding areas (mountains, places of interest, etc.). Therefore, this is a good place for both tourists and residents who want to have an overview of Madrid from the sky.
Below you can see some pictures of the viewpoint from the inside:
Other touristic places of Madrid, near the Moncloa Lighthouse
- Plaza de España: In Madrid's Plaza España you can see the first skyscrapers built in Spain. It is only 4 minutes away from the Temple of Debod.
- Gran Vía: Gran Vía is one of the most famous avenues in the Spanish capital. This street connects Plaza de España with other areas such as Cibeles, Sol and the neighbourhoods of Malasaña and Chueca.
- The Royal Palace (Palacio Real): The Royal Palace is the official residence of the King of Spain Juan Carlos I, who uses it to organise important events, as the king actually lives in La Zarzuela. The palace was built between 1738 and 1755, and King Felipe V (1683-1746) ordered its construction. The Royal Palace is a 6-minute walk from the Temple of Debod.
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