Colonia de San José y Parque Payaso Fofó
In a redevelopment project carried out as part of the South Madrid Urban Development Plan, the substandard housing of the old estate was demolished to make way for the construction of rented accommodation for young people. The new centre of the complex and the park is a lookout point that respects the topographical features of the hill on which it stands. There is a small community building and roads have been laid out to organise the area and connect the two schools that remain from the old estate.
One of the most striking features is the low-rise buildings that descend in parallel lines along the eastern slope as far as Torre de San José, a hollow, spiral 15-storey circular tower that stands on the wooded headland and houses 252 apartments. Built by architects Elías Torres and Juan Antonio Martínez Lapeña, it was designed as social housing. It is 45 metres high and has an interior courtyard. Its top floor offers incredible panoramic views of Colmenar Road to the north and Cerro de los Ángeles to the south.
At the top of Payaso Fofó there is also a lookout point from which you can enjoy great views of Madrid. It is an elevated concrete balcony between Calle Puerto de Costabona and Calle Puerto del Milagro, surrounded by the Torre de San José apartment block.
Updated: 16/10/2025
Useful information
Permit procedure
The filming permits to shoot on the streets of the city of Madrid are managed by the Filming Authorization Bureau. For more information on these permits and how to process them, read the How to film in Madrid page.
