Puerta de Alcalá

What to expect

The Puerta de Alcalá is a neoclassical gate that Charles III commissioned and Francesco Sabatini designed, inaugurated in 1778. It replaced an older gate in the city wall and now stands alone in the middle of Plaza de la Independencia, with traffic flowing around it. The carved details are by Francisco Gutiérrez and Roberto Michel, and the inscription gives the date in Roman numerals.

It is a monument you look at rather than enter. The gate has several openings and carved figures on both sides, and it looks different from each angle. Most visitors spend about ten minutes taking photos and then walk into the Retiro Park, whose main entrance is a few steps away. It is lit in the evening.

Don't miss

• The carved sculptures on both faces
• The central inscription with the date
• The side arches
• The view down Calle de Alcalá
• The park gate across the square

Tips for your visit

• Photograph it from the Calle de Alcalá side or from the Retiro entrance for the best angle.
• Combine it with Retiro Park, which starts a few steps away.
• Go in the evening to see it lit up.
• Cross at the lights; the roundabout is busy.