This is one of Madrid's most symbolic monuments. King Charles III of Spain ordered the building of the Puerta de Alcalá (Alcalá Arch) in 1778, and charged Sabatini with its design and execution. The idea was to replace the old and damaged archway of that time with another which would provide a more grandiose point of convergence for the avenues that meet there.
Located right in the heart of the city in the Plaza de la Independencia Square, it is positioned at the beginning of the Calle Alcalá, very near the main entrance to the Retiro Gardens.
The arch, built in the neo-classical style, has 5 openings: 3 semicircular arches and 2 lintel arches. It was a work without precedent in 18th-century European architecture.
Today it is the most recognizable and best-loved image of Madrid, and has become the symbol of the city for both the local inhabitants and visitors.
Brief history
It should be remembered that there was already a Puerta de Alcalá in existence before the one we know today. This first Puerta de Alcalá was built to receive Princess Margaret of Austria, the wife of Philip III, in 1599. The stone gateway had three arches and two towers, and was known as the Arch "of Alcalá", as it connected the city of Madrid with the road leading to the town of Alcalá.
However when Charles III entered Madrid through this archway in 1759, it was not to his liking. The king wanted a more grandiose monument; a triumphal arch which would be a reminder of his arrival in Madrid, and consequently in 1764 he gave orders for its demolition.
Projects for the construction of the new Puerta de Alcalá were presented by José de Hermosilla, Ventura Rodríguez and Francisco Sabatini. The king decided in favour of Sabatini, who was charged with carrying out the work. It was begun in 1774, and completed in 1778.
Architecture
The Puerta de Alcalá is designed in the style of a great Roman triumphal arch. It has five openings, of which the central ones are semicircular arches with interior vaulting, and the two on the end are lintel arches.
The arch is built of limestone from Colmenar (Madrid) on a granite base, and measures 19.5 metres high.
Only the central arch is the same when seen from both sides, whereas the rest is different. The part facing out of the city has ten columns with Ionic capitals, while the inside has pilasters. However the same stone can be seen at the top of each side with the inscription "Rege Carolo III, anno MDCCLXXVIII".
Both the lions' heads on the keystones of the central arches and the cornucopias set on the sides were the work of the sculptor Roberto Michel.
Francisco Gutiérrez was responsible for many of the decorative elements, including the coat of arms with the royal shield, the military trophies which crown the triangular pediment at the apex looking towards the Cibeles Fountain, and the groups of children and the military trophies at the top.
Address
Plaza de la Independencia s/nPublic transport
Buses: 1, 9, 20, 146, 15, 2, 51, 52, 74 
Metro/underground:Retiro (Line 2) 
Regional rail: Recoletos
