Built of granite, glass and metal, the angle at which these towers lean is simply spectacular. They're 27 stories high ... More
Torres KIO (Puerta de Europa)
Description
Built of granite, glass and metal, the angle at which these towers lean is simply spectacular. They're 27 stories high and a shining example of how dynamic and modern Madrid has become. Their official name is Puerta de Europa (Gateway to Europe), though locals call them the KIO Towers after the business group in charge of their construction. They were eventually completed in 1996 by the banking group Caja Madrid. Architects Philip Johnson and John Burgee (famous for New York's AT&T tower) designed them as office space and they're the most dramatic sight on the skyline as you arrive from the north. They are not open to the public.
This place was very entertaining. I suggest seeing it as soon as you get to Madrid! My friend Kelly has been there also. She enjoyed it as much as i did.
I had read about the towers, but coming from Chicago (land of skyscrapers), they just didn't seem too exciting to me... that is until I saw them in person. The angle at which they're built will make your jaw drop. Many people who look at my pictures ask me how I "Photoshoped" the towers that way.
It truly is an amazing sight to behold. If you're in Madrid, definitely make the time to see them.
Architecturally, very nice. On a sunny day, the Torres Kio make a nice photo opportunity. Of course, however, you have to deal with the traffic of the Plaza de la Castilla and the exhaust from all the cars. But good, nonetheless.
...but they won't! They're the second tallest inclined buildings in the world (next to the Tower of Montreal) but the tallest inclined OFFICE buildings in the world. Quite impressive and they deserve the name "The Gates Of Europe"