Puerta de Alcalá

The Puerta de Alcalá stands as one of Madrid’s most triumphant and iconic landmarks, serving as a magnificent gateway to the city’s soul. Located in the heart of the Plaza de la Independencia, this Neoclassical masterpiece was the first post-Roman triumphal arch built in Europe, predating even the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Its elegant granite and limestone arches, adorned with intricate sculptures of angels and heraldic shields, command attention from every angle. What makes a visit truly special is its location at the entrance to El Retiro Park. Whether it’s glowing under the golden Spanish sun or beautifully illuminated at night, the gate provides a stunning backdrop for photography. Surrounded by meticulously manicured flower beds and the rhythmic flow of the city’s traffic, it represents a perfect harmony between Madrid’s rich imperial history and its vibrant modern energy. It is an unmissable symbol of pride and beauty.

I saw Puerta de Alcalá on a winter day, and the atmosphere felt quiet yet powerful. The grey sky and cool air gave the monument a serious, almost solemn character. The stone surface looked rougher and more expressive under the soft winter light, which made the details of its design stand out naturally. Standing there, I felt a strong contrast between the steady flow of traffic and the stillness of the monument itself. It seemed unchanged by time, calmly existing in the middle of the city. In winter, Puerta de Alcalá does not feel dramatic or lively, but rather thoughtful and reserved. This made the visit more meaningful, offering a quiet moment to connect with Madrid’s history in a subtle and personal way.

It is an icon off the city and the beautiful piece of history and neo classic art. If you are the type of person that loves architecture, then you must come here. It is placed right next to El Retiro park and you must take pictures from far away to get the whole thing. But to really appreciate the details, you must cross to the other side, across the roundabout, and observe the piece of work all around it. Either during the day or at night the pictures Will look beautiful. Also, there is a decorative garden around the area.

Puerta de Alcalá, inaugurated in 1778 under King Charles III and designed by Francesco Sabatini, stands proudly at Plaza de la Independencia. Once serving as the main eastern gate of Madrid, it symbolizes the city’s neoclassical elegance and royal heritage. Its five grand arches and sculptural details are stunning, especially when illuminated at night. Located near Retiro Park, it’s a perfect spot for photos and a peaceful stroll through Madrid’s history.

During our time in Madrid, we stopped by the Puerta de Alcalá, and it was absolutely stunning! ✨ Standing before this majestic monument, we couldn’t help but pause and take in its incredible history and beauty. It felt like stepping back in time while still being surrounded by the vibrant energy of modern Madrid. The area around it was lively, with people strolling, relaxing, and snapping photos. We spent a little while just admiring the intricate details and enjoying the atmosphere — it’s a perfect spot to slow down and appreciate the city. Such a beautiful landmark, and definitely a must-see when visiting Madrid. 🌆

Beautiful architecture and quite a sight to see. You can enjoy it from many local cafés or just walking along the roundabout. The flowers outside are also beautiful. You cannot go too close to the structure though, please be aware of traffic if walking out to take photos.

Very grand arche with a beautiful landscape surrounding it. The best way to see it is just walking around it on the road.

The Puerta de Alcalá is one of those spots you’ve gotta see in Madrid, no question. It’s impressive, super photogenic, and the area around it—especially at sunset—feels amazing for a walk and some great pics. Even though it’s a quick stop, it’s totally worth it for the history and the vibe. A true Madrid icon.

very delicious！ beautiful surroundings! 好吃！太好吃了！很出片！牛肉好吃 服务态度很漂亮，室外的话也都非常的温暖，因为它有火炉，而它离这个公园还有建筑都非常近，超级漂亮

Monument located in the middle of a roundabout next to the Parque del Retiro entrance. Interesting fact-was the first of its kind to be built after the fall of the Roman Empire so older than Brandenburg Gate and Arc de Triomphe. A large flower bed that changes seasonally provides a beautiful compliment to this impressive structure. A good photo opp area right in front of the flowers. Busy area with cars in the roundabout and people crossing the street. Another must visit when in Madrid.

this is a Cool and beautiful landmark at the roundabout in Madrid. The hop on and hop off buses were nearby and very convenient area to get around in.

I passed this magnificent monument several times because it's located directly between my hotel and the Retiro Metro station. Located in the middle of the intersection that's not quite a roundabout, there's plenty of opportunity to see if from all angles as a pedestrian where Calle de Alcalá and Calle de Alfonso XII meet. And as it's the corner of the Buen Retiro park in the , Plaza de la Independencia, there are plenty of pedestrians. Inaugurated in 1778, the monument is older than the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and older than Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. It was the first gate to entering Madrid from the nearby town of Alcalá de Henares.

Built in 1778, this huge "door of Alcala" is planted in the middle of a massive roundabout by Retiro Park. Upon looking it up, I learned that it was the first gate to enter Madrid from Alcalá de Henares. It's something you'll see when getting around Madrid, so no need to go find it directly, but it is a beautiful point of the city!

Great location with a nice cafes and lots of street activity and people watching. The oldest off the modern era gates in Europe. Built in 1778.

This is really a lovely gate. Puerta de Alcalá stands at Plaza de la Independencia in Madrid. If you really want to get the history and good views I would recommend taking the Madrid Hop- on- Hop- off Tour bus. The deal is really getting a 2 day pass. Especially if you want to see the city all lit up at night. The original gate was built in 1599 as a welcome gesture to Doña Margarita de Austria, who was the wife of King Felipe III. When Carlos III came to power, he was not at all pleased with this city gate. He demanded that a much more flamboyant gate should be built, and called for architects to present their proposed plans. Did you know that because Calle de Alcalá is considered a cañada real, or a special route for moving livestock on a seasonal basis, flocks of sheep and other animals often used to pass through its portals??? Super Weird!!! The Puerta de Alcalá stands in the east of the city. It is in the middle of Calle de Alcalá, one of the oldest streets in Madrid, and which runs from the Puerta del Sol in the city center outwards to the town of Alcalá de Henares. There are 6 statues that adorn the top of the gate.

also known as "alcala gate," this is another stately, historical piece of architecture in madrid. the name was chosen since this gate led travelers from madrid to the town of alcala de henares starting in the late 18th century, when it was erected by francesco sabatini. note that sabatini was the italian architect who also designed the horse's stables at the royal palace, and for whom the sabatini gardens were named for. this gate stands at the northwest corner of retiro park, in independence plaza. by day, you can see the gorgeous floral gardens that surround the gate, which makes for a beautiful, colourful picture souvenir. by night, the gate is lit up, has a grand presence, and can be seen from several blocks away. it is just steps away from the park's entrance, paseo del prado, and plaza de cibeles.

Very pretty gate. :) We stumbled upon it by accident I think. But anyway, it's a sight to see, and it won't take long to see it once you're here. Definitely try to fit this into your schedule when you're in Madrid!

In Madrid Spain 1599 was build Alcala. Door of alcala beautiful there's is so much to describe about all this locations I'm traveling so much history it will take me hours to describe everything I just want to check in to remember places I been. If you want more info about this locations please Google them. You may find many surprise. I just love history and all architecture so much to learn so much to see.

This is a great gate for a great city, My hotel was close to here. So I passed it often when I was walking around. It now sits in the middle of a round about and is lit at night. Others have written about its history so I will just say that it is cool and that it is useful as when you see it you know the direction to Gran Via....

Beautiful monument in the middle of Madrid, just beside the Retiro park, the Citty Hall, Cibeles square and fountain, the Prado museum and Gran Vía street. One may find nice restaurants and bars just beside. I would recomend the visit during both day and night.