Puerta de Alcalá

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The gate features bullet holes from the Spanish Civil War that remain visible on its eastern facade.

2. 2

   It is the only original gate of the former city walls that remains intact today.

3. 3

   The design includes different decorative elements on each side to distinguish the interior and exterior of the city.

4. 4

   King Charles III insisted on the use of stone instead of brick, which was the standard construction material for that era.

5. 5

   The monument's top section features depictions of shields, trophies, and children representing the four cardinal virtues.

Overview

The Puerta de Alcalá is a Neoclassical triumphal gate situated in the center of the Plaza de la Independencia in Madrid. Designed by architect Francesco Sabatini, it was commissioned by King Charles III and inaugurated in 1778. The structure consists of five arches, three of which are rectangular and two circular, flanked by ionic columns. It was the first triumphal arch built in Europe following the fall of the Roman Empire. The monument acts as the symbolic gateway to the historic city center from the east. It is constructed primarily from granite and limestone sourced from Colmenar de Oreja. The gate is positioned at the main entrance to El Retiro Park. It replaced an earlier, more modest gate from the 16th century that stood on the same road towards the city of Alcalá de Henares.

Insider tips

• View the gate at night when the exterior floodlighting highlights the intricate masonry.

• Walk the perimeter of the Plaza de la Independencia to see the differing architectural reliefs on the east and west faces.