Plaza de Colón

This famous square in the city centre, dedicated to the man who discovered America, is one of Madrid's most important open spaces and a strategic location, leading out to prominent streets such as El Paseo de Recoletos, El Paseo de la Castellana, Calle Génova, Calle Serrano and Calle Goya. It is also home to eminent buildings such as the Torres de Colón.

A monument to Christopher Columbus presides over the square from the centre of the fountain around which the traffic flows. This Neo Gothic white marble statue, together with its impressive stone pedestal, measures 17 metres and was built in 1885 by Jerónimo Suñol, to mark the marriage of Alfonso XII to María de las Mercedes de Orleans.

The square is also home to the Jardines del Descubrimiento, a park that first opened back in 1970, where you can admire various sculptures as well as a monument dedicated to the discovery of America. Underground, you will find the Fernán Gómez Cultural Centre.