Alcalá Gate, Triumphal arch in Madrid, Spain
The Puerta de Alcalá is a Neoclassical triumphal arch of light-grey stone standing in the centre of the Plaza de la Independencia in Madrid. It has three arched openings, the central one taller and wider, framed by engaged columns with carved capitals and a carved head above each arch. The central section rises above the sides to a triangular pediment with a blank rectangular panel, and sculpted figures top the pediment and the outer corners; the inscription reads "REGE CAROLO III / ANNO / MDCCLXXVIII".
Charles III chose Francesco Sabatini's design over proposals by Ventura Rodríguez and José de Hermosilla, and the gate was erected facing east in 1778. It replaced a smaller gate that had stood since the late 16th century, through which flocks of the Cañada Real Galiana passed. Sculptural ornament was carved by Francisco Gutiérrez and Roberto Michel.
The name refers to the old road toward Alcalá de Henares that began here and led travelers eastward. Today locals and visitors gather in the square to photograph the monument or meet in front of the arches.
The monument stands freely on a large square and can be viewed from all sides. Those wishing to enter Retiro Park from here will find the entrance just a few steps away on the eastern side.
The gate still bears scars from cannon shrapnel, and the marks remain visible today. On 8 March 1921, Prime Minister Eduardo Dato was shot here by three anarchists on a motorcycle with sidecar as he drove home from parliament.
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