In the heart of Madrid, a few meters from the Plaza Mayor and the busy Atocha street, stands one of the most unique and recognizable towers of Madrid’s historic skyline: the neo-Mudejar tower of the Parish of Santa Cruz. This impressive structure, 55 meters high and with 264 steps, has been for decades one of the best kept secrets of the city and, after its restoration, has become a new landmark for lovers of architecture and panoramic views.
The tower was built between the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries as a tribute to the original parish of Santa Cruz, whose original tower was known as “the watchtower of Madrid” for its height and its function as a landmark in the historic center. The design, the work of architect Francisco de Cubas – the same architect who designed the Almudena Cathedral – combines neo-Gothic with neo-Mudejar references, very much present in the exposed brickwork that covers the tower and the facades of the church. The result is one of the most beautiful and photogenic buildings in the Madrid of the Austrias, with original stained glass windows by Maumejean and a sculptural tympanum by Aniceto Marinas.
How to climb the neo-Mudejar tower of Madrid
Climbing the tower is quite an experience: the 264 steps lead to an upper platform from which you can enjoy one of the best 360º views of the center of Madrid. From its small windows you can see the red roofs of the neighborhood, the silhouette of the Almudena Cathedral, the Gran Vía, the outline of the Plaza Mayor and, on clear days, the mountains on the horizon. The feeling of height and isolation from the urban bustle make the visit an essential plan for those seeking to discover the city’s lesser-known heritage.
The tower of the Parroquia de Santa Cruz is also an example of the recovery of Madrid’s historic heritage: after several phases of restoration, problems of erosion and humidity have been solved, and the building now looks like one of the great exponents of neo-Mudejar and neo-Gothic in Madrid. Although traditionally the ascent has been restricted, exceptionally there are tours of the parish that culminate in the tower. The purpose of these tours is that the young people of the parish can pay for the trip to Rome for the Jubilee 2025.
It can only be visited on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 11 am in the morning and from 5 pm to 6:30 pm in the afternoons. The price of the donation is 10 € and tickets are purchased in the sacristy of the church, but can be reserved in advance.