At number 6 on Atocha Street stands the Parish Church of Santa Cruz, a church designed in 1888 by the same architect who designed the Almudena Cathedral: Francisco de Cubas (the Marquis of Cubas). Even in its day—according to the Official College of Architects of Madrid (COAM)—it was famous for its tall tower, “known as the watchtower of Madrid”: a place from which visitors can now ascend to enjoy privileged views of the capital.
The tower was exceptionally open to visitors last year for a limited time, after which it closed to the public again, but in 2026, visits to this spectacular panoramic viewpoint —accessible after climbing 264 steps— will resume.
The views of the city from the tower of the Parish Church of Santa Ana offer a privileged perspective on such iconic Madrid landmarks as the Plaza Mayor, Plaza España, Puerta del Sol, and the Retiro Park… as well as buildings like the Teatro Real, the Cuatro Torres, and the Pirulí.
The effort is worth it even before climbing any of the steps leading to the top of its 55 meters: the building itself was declared a Site of Cultural Interest in the Monument Category in 1982.
How do you climb the tower of the Parish Church of Santa Cruz?
Visits to the tower of the Parish Church of Santa Cruz are scheduled for the last Saturday of each month in two sessions: at 12 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Tickets for admission can be purchased directly at the parish entrance and cost €10 as a donation toward the maintenance of the parish itself.