Puerta de Alcalá Madrid: history, photos and how to get there

Updated on October 1, 2026

The Puerta de Alcalá, a neoclassical granite triumphal arch commissioned by King Charles III from the architect Francesco Sabatini, was inaugurated in 1778 on the Plaza de la Independencia. It replaced an older gate on the road to Alcalá de Henares, hence its name. It stands in the middle of a roundabout planted with flowers, opposite the main entrance to Retiro Park and a few minutes' walk from the Plaza de Cibeles. The monument is seen from the outside, free of charge and at any time; it is lit up at night.

Highlights

The five openings

Unlike Madrid's other gates, which have three, the Puerta de Alcalá has five passages: three round arches in the centre and two rectangular gateways at the sides. It is often described as the first modern triumphal arch built in Europe after the fall of the Roman Empire.

Two different façades

The two sides are not identical. On the east side, facing away from the old city, you see the royal coat of arms and figures of children representing the four cardinal virtues: Prudence, Justice, Temperance and Fortitude. On the city side, the decoration combines military trophies and lion heads. The Latin inscription recalls King Charles III and the year 1778.

The gate at dusk

Lit up from twilight, the gate stands out against the sky above the flower beds of the square. This is the most photogenic moment, when the traffic on Calle de Alcalá draws trails of light around the roundabout.

An award-winning restoration

The restoration carried out in 2022 and 2023 involved more than a hundred specialists, including architects, engineers, restorers, stonemasons, blacksmiths and sculptors. In 2025 it received the European Heritage Award and the Public Choice Award.

The song

The gate is also famous in Spain thanks to the song "La Puerta de Alcalá" by Ana Belén and Víctor Manuel, which turned it into a popular symbol of the city.

Infos pratiques

Tips

The gate sits in the middle of a busy roundabout: photograph it from the pavements and pedestrian crossings around the square, without crossing the road. Combine it with Retiro Park, whose main entrance is just opposite, and with the Plaza de Cibeles and the viewpoint of the Cibeles Palace, about 5 minutes' walk along Calle de Alcalá. The visit is free.

How to get there

Plaza de la Independencia, s/n, 28001 Madrid. Metro Retiro or Banco de España (line 2); Cercanías Recoletos. Buses 1, 2, 9, 15, 19, 20, 28, 51, 52, 74 and 146.