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 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.

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".

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.

DANI , RAFA Y ANDRES