Puerta de Alcalá, Madrid

Name: Puerta de Alcalá
Address: Plaza Independencia 1, Madrid, 28001, Spain

#28 among attractions in Madrid

Francesco Sabatini, Memorial, Monuments and statues, Historical place

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Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Alvesgaspar / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 es / Kaofenlio / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Carlos Delgado / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Benjamín Núñez González / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Diego Delso / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Philmarin / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Chin tin tin / URL

Facts and practical information

The Puerta de Alcalá stands as an iconic neoclassical monument in the heart of Madrid, Spain. Erected in 1778, it was commissioned by King Charles III and designed by the architect Francesco Sabatini. The gate marks the entrance to the Salamanca district and is one of the grandest among the five ancient gates that once provided access to the city.

The structure, a triumphal arch made of granite and stone, is notable for its elegant proportions and the elaborate decorative details, including reliefs and sculptures that symbolize peace, prudence, and fertility. It served not only as a city gate but also as a symbolic gesture of the enlightened absolutism of Charles III's reign, representing the modernization efforts he brought to the city.

The Puerta de Alcalá is situated near the Parque del Buen Retiro, one of Madrid's largest parks, creating a picturesque backdrop for this historical edifice. Its name, which translates to "Alcalá Gate," derives from the road that once led from Madrid to the nearby town of Alcalá de Henares.

This memorial is more than just an architectural landmark; it has become an emblem of the city and a testament to Madrid's rich historical tapestry. The gate has witnessed numerous events and has been part of the ever-evolving urban landscape, adapting to the changes while retaining its grandeur and significance.

Today, the Puerta de Alcalá is a must-see destination for visitors and a favorite subject for photographers, especially at dusk when the setting sun casts warm hues on its façade. As a testament to its lasting legacy, the gate continues to play a role in contemporary culture, featuring in songs and as a gathering place for celebrations and events.

Alternative names: Built: 1778 (246 years ago)Architectural style: NeoclassicismCoordinates: 40°25'12"N, 3°41'24"W

Address

Plaza Independencia 1Salamanca (Recoletos)Madrid 28001 Spain

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Day trips

Puerta de Alcalá – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Palace of Linares, Plaza de Cibeles, National Archaeological Museum, Casón del Buen Retiro.

~660 ftW
Vernacular architecture, Palace
Palace of Linares, Madrid
4 min walk • The Palace of Linares, also known as Casa de América, stands as a magnificent 19th-century edifice in the heart of Madrid, Spain. Nestled at the corner of Plaza de Cibeles, this historic palace exudes a grandeur that harks back to the opulent era of its construction.
~1090 ftSW
Square, Monuments and statues
Plaza de Cibeles, Madrid
6 min walk • In the heart of Madrid, Plaza de Cibeles stands as a grand symbol of the city's rich history and architectural beauty. This iconic square is renowned for its stunning centerpiece, the Cibeles Fountain, featuring the Roman goddess Cybele on a chariot pulled by lions.
~1280 ftN
Museum, History museum, Art museum
National Archaeological Museum, Madrid
7 min walk • The National Archaeological Museum of Spain, situated in the heart of Madrid, is a treasure trove of historical artifacts that span the rich tapestry of Spain's past. Established in 1867, the museum is a hub for those seeking to delve into the country's diverse...
~1720 ftS
Baroque architecture, Museum, Art museum
Casón del Buen Retiro, Madrid
9 min walk • The Casón del Buen Retiro is a historic and cultural gem nestled in the heart of Madrid, Spain. It stands as an integral part of the city's renowned Prado Museum, housing an impressive collection of 19th and 20th-century paintings.
~1790 ftN
Theater, Concerts and shows, Art gallery
Teatro Fernán Gómez, Madrid
9 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Madrid, Teatro Fernán Gómez is a cultural beacon that exemplifies the city's rich theatrical tradition. This prestigious venue, named after the illustrious Spanish actor and director Fernando Fernán Gómez, stands as a testament to Spain's...
~1900 ftN
Memorial, Gothic Revival architecture
Monument to Columbus, Madrid
10 min walk • The Monument to Columbus in Madrid stands as a grand tribute to the renowned explorer Christopher Columbus, whose voyages across the Atlantic led to the European discovery of the Americas. Located in the Plaza de Colón, this impressive monument is a focal point for...
~1660 ftW
Monuments and statues
Fountain of Cybele, Madrid
8 min walk • The Fountain of Cybele is a neoclassical fountain in Madrid, Spain. It lies on the centre of the Plaza de Cibeles. The sculptural group in its centre represents Cybele, a Phrygian earth and fertility deity. It has become one of the icons of the city.
~1150 ftSW
Nautical science and naval history museum
Naval Museum of Madrid, Madrid
6 min walk • The Naval Museum is a national museum in Madrid, Spain. It shows the history of the Spanish Navy since the Catholic Monarchs, in the 15th century, up to the present.
~1790 ftE
Monuments and statues
Estatua de Espartero, Madrid
9 min walk • Espartero or the monument to General Espartero, is an instance of public art in Madrid, Spain. A work by Pablo Gibert, it is dedicated to General Baldomero Espartero, "the Peacemaker".
~350 ftE
Square
Plaza de la Independencia, Madrid
2 min walk • The Plaza de la Independencia is a central square in the Spanish capital, Madrid. It sits at the intersection of Calle de Alcalá, Calle de Alfonso XII, Calle de Serrano, Calle de Salustiano Olozaga, and the Paseo de Mexico.
~1070 ftE
Church, Sacred and religious sites
Church of Saint Manuel and Saint Benedict, Madrid
6 min walk • Saint Manuel and Saint Benedict is a Catholic church located in Madrid, Spain. The building, which was designed by Fernando Arbós y Tremanti, was built at the beginning of the twentieth century. It was declared Bien de Interés Cultural in 1982.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Puerta de Alcalá?

Nearby attractions include Plaza de la Independencia, Madrid (2 min walk), Palace of Linares, Madrid (4 min walk), Cybele Palace, Madrid (4 min walk), Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas, Madrid (4 min walk).

How to get to Puerta de Alcalá by public transport?

The nearest stations to Puerta de Alcalá:

Bus

Puerta de Alcalá - Serrano • Lines: 1, 146, 15, 2, 20, 51, 52, 74, 9, N4, N5, N6, N7 (2 min walk)
Puerta de Alcalá • Lines: 1, 146, 15, 19, 2, 20, 28, 51, 52, 74, 9, N2, N3, N5, N6, N7, N8 (3 min walk)

Metro

Retiro • Lines: L2 (5 min walk)
Banco de España • Lines: L2 (7 min walk)

Train

Recoletos (6 min walk)
Sol (17 min walk)