Gate of Europe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Europe Gate / Europe's Gate |
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Puerta de Europa (Europa's Gate)
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| General information | |
| Status | Complete |
| Type | Office |
| Location | Paseo de la Castellana 189/216, Madrid, Spain |
| Coordinates | 40°27′59″N 3°41′16″W / 40.46639°N 3.68778°W |
| Construction started | 1989 |
| Completed | 1996 |
| Owner | CaixaBank and Realia |
| Height | |
| Roof | 114 m (374 ft) |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 26 |
| Lifts/elevators | 8 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Philip Johnson, John Burgee |
| Developer | Kuwait Investment Authority |
| Structural engineer | Leslie E. Robertson Associates, RLLP, New York |
| Main contractor | FCC |
The Gate of Europe towers are famous twin buildings in Madrid, Spain. People also call them the KIO Towers. They are office buildings located near Plaza de Castilla.
These towers are 114 m (374 ft) tall and have 26 floors. They were built between 1989 and 1996. The Gate of Europe towers are the second tallest twin buildings in Spain. Only the Torres de Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz de Tenerife are taller.
Contents
Building the Gate of Europe Towers
The Gate of Europe towers were designed by two American architects. Their names were Philip Johnson and John Burgee. The company that built them was Fomento de Construcciones y Contratas. The project was started by the Kuwait Investment Office. This is why they were first called "KIO Towers."
Unique Design and Location
Each tower is 115 m (377 ft) tall. What makes them special is that they lean! They are tilted at an angle of 15 degrees. This made them the first inclined skyscrapers in the world.
The towers are easy to spot in Madrid. They are near the Chamartín train station. They are also next to the Plaza de Castilla bus station. You can find them north of the Paseo de la Castellana. They are also close to the Cuatro Torres Business Area.
Who Owns the Towers Now?
The original owner, the Kuwait Investment Office, had to sell the buildings. Now, the towers are owned by two companies: CaixaBank and Realia.
Helicopter Pads
Each tower has a special landing area for helicopters on its roof. The west tower's helicopter pad is outlined in blue. The east tower's pad is outlined in red.
See also
In Spanish: Puerta de Europa para niños
- Inclined building
