Puerta de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain - SpottingHistory.com

The Puerta de Alcalá is a Neo-classical monument in the Plaza de la Independencia in Madrid. It is regarded as the first modern post-Roman triumphal archbuilt in Europe, older than the similar monuments Arc de Triomphe in Paris and Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.

Puerta de Alcalá was a gate of the former city walls built by Philip IV. It stands near the city center and several meters away from the main entrance to the Parque del Buen Retiro. The square is bisected by Alcalá Street, although the street does not cross through the monument, and it is the origin of the Alfonso XII, Serrano and Olózaga streets. Its name originates from the old path from Madrid to the nearby town of Alcalá de Henares.

Madrid in the late 18th century still looked like a somewhat drab borough, surrounded by medieval walls. Around the year 1774, king Charles III commissioned Francesco Sabatini to construct a monumental gate in the city wall through which an expanded road to the city of Alcalá was to pass, replacing an older, smaller, gate that stood nearby. It was inaugurated in 1778.

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User Reviews

Taron Jordan (15 months ago)
Now that's great sculpting and premier architecture right there! Very picturesque! I took so many shots of this one piece. It even illuminates with different colors in the dark. The people come out surrounding this piece of art. The big rotunda makes it possible for everyone to get a photo.

Farid Moeinvaziri (16 months ago)
In the north side of the round about is the Serrano street which is the place of the best brands of the world. In the south of the Puerta de Alcala is the retiero park which is one the most beautiful places in the world. In this park there is beautiful palace all made of glass.

macedonboy (16 months ago)
The Puerta De Alcalá, is a truly monumental triumphal arch for it's sheer size and magnificence. Built in a Romanesque/Neo-Classical style, no visit to Madrid should miss this.

marius masi (16 months ago)
Busy street with cars and people taking pictures with Puerta de Alcala but a beautiful architecture. This is a post modern triumphal arch that was built past Roman times by being the gate of Philip IV. Found this monument gorgeous and an amazing place to visit on the way to El Retiro park which it is next to.

Claudiu Suceu (17 months ago)
Beautiful place to take a few pictures. The street is very busy and you'll find plenty of places to eat nearby. Worth visiting if you're nearby.

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