Gate of Europe
Gate of Europe
Gate of Europe (Av. Castellana, Chamartin district, Madrid) – a.k.a. “KIO Towers”, this is a pair of inclined buildings located at the northern end of the popular Castellana boulevard – the first of their kind in the world. Designed by American architects, Philip Johnson and John Burgee, they hoped to leave a distinctive mark in Madrid. The slanted buildings were then commissioned by Kuwait Investment Office in 1996, giving the towers their name. The office buildings were originally implemented to symbolize Spain’s growing commercial and economic success in the 1980’s. It has now become a work of art and a must see landmark of Madrid. The buildings represent the modernity of Madrid and its overall importance throughout Spain. The towers are free and open to public if interested in exploring the interior. They are near the Cuatro Torres Business Area, which also contains the tallest skyscraper in all of Spain.