Obelisco Laus Deo II, Madrid

Obelisco Laus Deo II is a steel obelisk in Madrid, standing on Plaza de Ortega y Munilla in the Arganzuela district, right next to the Pirámides metro station.

What is this monument?

Obelisco Laus Deo II is one of a pair of twin obelisks designed by architect Manuel Ayllón. The structure is built from corten steel, a weathering steel known for its distinctive rust-colored patina and frequently used in public art and industrial-style architecture. The shaft itself rises more than 30 metres, and together with its three-metre square pedestal the whole monument reaches roughly 33 metres. Each of the pedestal's four faces carries a granite plaque bearing a Latin inscription, echoing the tradition of historic commemorative and triumphal obelisks. The name "Laus Deo" translates as "Praise Be To God."

When was it built, and why is it here?

The obelisk was unveiled in 1996 as part of a large urban project known as the Pasillo Verde Ferroviario (Green Railway Corridor). Carried out between 1989 and 1996, the project buried the old freight rail line that had connected Príncipe Pío station with Delicias station, passing through Peñuelas along the way. Burying the tracks freed up the surface for new squares, green space and housing, giving Madrid a continuous strip of public land where rail lines once ran. The two obelisks, Laus Deo I and Laus Deo II, were erected as visual landmarks marking key points along this route, their form directly inspired by classical obelisks raised to commemorate great achievements.

Where is the twin obelisk?

The other half of the pair, Obelisco Laus Deo I, stands at a different point along the Pasillo Verde, near Paseo de las Delicias at its junction with Calle Bustamante. The two obelisks are nearly identical in form, differing mainly in location and numbering, and together they act as a kind of gateway marking the transformed rail corridor.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

Plaza de Ortega y Munilla, where the obelisk stands, forms part of the revitalised green strip running above the buried tracks. Close to the Pirámides metro station (lines 3 and 6), further stretches of the Pasillo Verde offer paths, lawns and benches, making it an easy spot for an unhurried walk. It's also a convenient starting point for heading toward the nearby Manzanares river and the wider Arganzuela district.

How do you get to the obelisk?

The simplest way is by metro: Pirámides station (lines 3 and 6) is just a few minutes' walk from the square. The obelisk makes a good short stop on a longer walk along the Pasillo Verde, for instance on the way to Matadero Madrid or down to the Manzanares.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Laus Deo mean? It's Latin for "Praise Be To God," referring to the inscriptions carved into the obelisk's pedestal.

Who designed the obelisk? It was designed by architect Manuel Ayllón, who created both twin obelisks along the Pasillo Verde.

What material is the obelisk made of? The shaft is built from corten steel, prized for its rust-toned weathered surface, while the pedestal is faced with granite panels.

Is it worth combining with other nearby sights? Yes - the obelisk sits along the Pasillo Verde Ferroviario, so it's easy to pair a visit with a walk toward Matadero Madrid or the banks of the Manzanares.