Puerta de Alcalá, Triumphal arch in Madrid, Spain
The Puerta de Alcalá features five grand stone arches with intricate decorations and sculptures positioned in the Plaza de la Independencia of Madrid.
King Charles III commissioned this granite and limestone gate in 1764 to replace an earlier structure, with construction completed in 1778.
The neoclassical design by Francesco Sabatini incorporates Italian architectural elements with Spanish motifs, reflecting the cultural exchange of eighteenth-century Europe.
Located at the intersection of Calle de Alcalá and Alfonso XII streets, the monument stands near the entrance to Retiro Park.
Each of its two facades displays different decorative elements, with the exterior showing lions and trophies while the interior features the cardinal virtues.
Location: Madrid
Inception: 1769
Creator: Francisco Gutiérrez Arribas, Francesco Sabatini, Roberto Michel
Architectural style: Neoclassical architecture
Accessibility: Wheelchair limited access
Part of: Paseo del Prado and Buen Retiro, a landscape of Arts and Sciences
Address: Plaza Independencia 28001 Madrid
Website: https://esmadrid.com/informacion-turistica/puerta-de-alcala
GPS coordinates: 40.42002,-3.68873
Latest update: November 2, 2025 20:40
Triumphal arches document military and historical events of their time. These monuments to victories and commemoration stand in cities around the world. The structures combine architectural elements with historical documentation through reliefs, inscriptions, and sculptures. The collection includes Roman triumphal arches such as the Arch of Constantine, Arch of Titus, and Arch of Septimius Severus in Rome, along with the Arch of Trajan in Benevento. Paris features the Arc de Triomphe, Porte Saint-Denis, and Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel. The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Siegestor in Munich, and Puerta de Alcalá in Madrid document European history. Further examples include the India Gate in New Delhi, Patuxaï in Vientiane, and Arch 22 in Banjul. In North America, the Washington Square Arch and Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch stand in New York, while the Gateway Arch rises in St. Louis. The Triumphal Arch of Orange and Hadrian's Arch in Athens demonstrate ancient Roman architecture.
Madrid establishes itself as one of the richest cultural capitals in Europe. Behind its wide avenues and lively squares, the city reveals a heritage that is royal, artistic, and popular. From the Royal Palace to the Prado, from the Retiro Gardens to the alleys of Plaza Mayor, each neighborhood tells a piece of Spanish history. Art lovers discover masterpieces from the Golden Age, visitors stroll between contemporary museums, markets, and cathedrals, while Madrilenians enjoy their parks as open-air salons. Between iconic museums, historic buildings, and lively places, this selection gathers the essential sites to understand Madrid’s beauty and energy, balancing tradition and modernity.
Palace of Linares
286 m
Cybele Palace
295 m
Church of Saint Manuel and Saint Benedict
239 m
Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas
266 m
Instituto Nacional de Gestión Sanitaria
144 m
Palacio del Marqués de Salamanca, Madrid
230 m
Centro Canalejas
164 m
Fuente de los Galápagos
314 m
Palacete de la calle de Villanueva, Madrid
276 m
Paseo de las Estatuas
184 m
National Museum of Decorative Arts
252 m
Palacio de Zabálburu, Madrid
188 m
Building of Embassy of France in Madrid
127 m
Edificio de Seguros La Aurora
281 m
Palacio de verano de la duquesa de Santoña
259 m
Casas Salabert
85 m
Biblioteca Francisco de Zabálburu
204 m
Mansion of the Marquis of Portago
229 m
Avenida de México, Madrid
183 m
Casa-Palacio de Demetrio Palazuelo
185 m
Commemorative plaque to Miguel Moya
128 m
La Equitativa building
164 m
Calle de Alcalá 56, Madrid
139 m
Fuente de la Puerta de la Independencia
102 m
Edificio Cámara de Comercio de Madrid
85 m
Commemorative plaque to the Puerta de Alcalá bullring
145 m
Sede del Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas
253 m
Commemorative plaque to Jorge Semprún Maura
310 mReviews
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