Faro de Moncloa (Moncloa Lighthouse) – Madrid travel tips and stories. Vacations ideas, cruises, spa and resorts

You might wonder why a city like Madrid—which couldn’t be further from the sea—has a lighthouse. The Faro de Moncloa observation tower, situated in the university district, is open to the public, offering visitors panoramic views of Madrid from the flying-saucer-shaped viewing deck, 92m (302ft) high. The tower was designed by architect Salvador Arroyo, in 1992, to monitor traffic congestion.The route to the top involves a dramatic ride up in an external glass elevator. To get a closer look at something in particular, shove some coins into the floor-mounted binoculars. You will find the tower next to the Museo de América. There are toilet facilities there. Parking spaces are not easy to find in this area.Children’s attraction open: daily – 10:30 to 14:15 and 16:30 to 19:15 (summer until 20:15), closed during bad weather conditions.
Children’s attraction admission: charge, reasonably priced

Nearest metro station: Moncloa