Silo de Hortaleza

Silo de Hortaleza is a small but distinctive tower in Madrid's Hortaleza district, now serving as a viewpoint and exhibition space. From the outside it looks like a modest polygonal concrete structure, but its story reaches back to the early 20th century and one of the first uses of reinforced concrete in Spanish construction.

What is this building?

The silo was built in 1928 as part of the Huerta de la Salud agricultural-industrial complex, founded by lawyer and city councilman Pedro Tobar. The polygonal tower, roughly 20 meters tall, was used to store grain and animal feed — its dark, cool interior kept supplies safe from moisture and pests. A barn, stable, and dovecote once stood alongside it, but those buildings disappeared in the 1970s when the site was redeveloped into housing blocks and public facilities.

What sets this silo apart from other historic structures in Madrid is its building material. It ranks among the earliest reinforced concrete constructions in Spain — a technique that was still novel for industrial buildings at the time.

How do you get to Silo de Hortaleza?

The tower stands in the Huerta de la Salud park, right in the heart of the Hortaleza district in northeastern Madrid. The metro is the easiest way in: Hortaleza station on Line 4 leaves just a short walk to the park. City buses also serve the area well, and street parking is available nearby for those driving.

What will you see there?

After standing empty and unused for years, the silo was renovated in 2018 and turned into a cultural landmark for the neighborhood. It now hosts occasional art and themed exhibitions, and the top of the tower has been fitted out as a lookout point with sweeping views over Hortaleza and the surrounding residential blocks. It's one of the few spots in this part of Madrid where you can take in the district from above without climbing a skyscraper or office tower.

The park surrounding the silo is also a pleasant place for a stroll in its own right — green lawns, paths, and benches create a quiet pocket amid the dense housing of Hortaleza.

When should you visit?

The silo and its viewpoint operate on set opening hours, worth checking before you go, since exhibitions and tower access are sometimes tied to seasonal schedules or neighborhood cultural events. The best conditions for the view are on clear days, ideally shortly before sunset, when the light plays nicely across Hortaleza's rooftops and streets.

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for a visit — mild enough to enjoy both a walk through the park and a longer look from the tower without summer's heat getting in the way.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to the tower free? Entry to Silo de Hortaleza is generally free, though access to the viewpoint and exhibitions may be limited to specific opening hours.

What makes this silo different from other historic buildings in Madrid? It's one of the earliest structures in Spain built with reinforced concrete — a technique still considered novel for industrial buildings back in 1928.

Is it worth combining the visit with the surrounding park? Yes — the Huerta de la Salud park around the silo is a calm place for a walk, with green areas and benches that pair well with a short stop at the tower.

What's the best way to reach Hortaleza? The metro is the most convenient option — Hortaleza station on Line 4 puts you within a short walk, roughly 20-30 minutes from central Madrid depending on your starting point.