commemorative plaque to Luis Buñuel

The commemorative plaque to Luis Buñuel sits on the facade of the Torre de Madrid skyscraper on Plaza de España, in the Moncloa-Aravaca district of Madrid. It's a small stop, but a meaningful one for film lovers tracing the footsteps of one of the twentieth century's most influential directors.

What does the plaque commemorate?

Unveiled in 2013, the plaque marks the fact that Luis Buñuel (1900–1983) lived in Torre de Madrid from 1960 to 1980, occupying an apartment on the seventeenth floor. It was here that the director spent time between film projects, working on scripts for "Viridiana" and "Tristana" — works now firmly part of world cinema's canon. The inscription frames Buñuel, born in Aragon, as a Madrid resident by choice, and the plaque stands as the city's tribute to his body of work.

Why Torre de Madrid?

Torre de Madrid is one of the landmarks of the capital's post-war architecture, a skyscraper completed in 1957 that stood for years as the tallest building in Spain. The fact that an artist of Buñuel's stature chose to live here underscores just how prestigious the address was at the time. For visitors, it's a chance to combine a walk around Plaza de España with a slice of film history.

What else is nearby?

The plaque sits right in the heart of tourist Madrid. A few steps away, Plaza de España opens up with its monument to Cervantes and the statues of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. From there it's a short walk to the Royal Palace, the Campo del Moro gardens, and the Temple of Debod — an ancient Egyptian temple gifted to Spain. Head the other way and you're on Gran Vía, the city's main shopping and entertainment strip.

How do you get there?

The metro is the easiest option — Plaza de España station (lines 3 and 10) is just a few minutes' walk from the tower. You can also reach it on foot from Gran Vía or from the Royal Palace, strolling through the surrounding streets. City buses also serve the area well.

When is the best time to visit?

Plaza de España and its surroundings are worth exploring year-round, though spring and early autumn bring the most comfortable temperatures for walking. Morning hours mean fewer crowds and easier photos of the building's facade, while evenings bring a different energy thanks to the lights and nightlife along Gran Vía.

Frequently asked questions

Is the plaque accessible at all times? Yes, it's mounted on the building's exterior facade, so it can be viewed at any hour with no admission restrictions.

Can you visit Buñuel's actual apartment? No, Torre de Madrid is a residential and office building, and the director's former apartment is not open to the public.

How long does it take to see the plaque? Just a few minutes — it works best as a quick stop combined with exploring Plaza de España and the nearby attractions.

Is it worth combining with other sights? Definitely. Its proximity to the Temple of Debod, the Royal Palace, and Gran Vía makes it an easy addition to a longer walk through western central Madrid.