Is seen through the Puerta de Alacalá and down the hill towards the Metropolis building, Plaza de la Cibeles and the Gran Via. To catch this view is to realize that you're really in Madrid and that it really is a world class city.
Written Nov 28, 2010
By the time of King Charles III, he did numerous works in the city of Madrid, however, one of the best known is the Puerta (Gate) de Alcalá a symbol in stone than Francesco Sabatini commissioned to design and build.
All the visitors reaching Madrid passed through this structure formed by three archers and two rectangular gateways.
Nowadays, it has no other function than to mark the end of Calle Alcalá.
In the Neoclassical style stands out for the beauty of its proportions :)
There are always flowers decorations around it different from each season and by sunset time is a good place to photo because the beauty of skies over Madrid!
Written Aug 4, 2010
Address: Puerta de Alcalá
In Portugal we use to say that "one image speaks more than 1000 words". Having that in mind, and more than 1000 pictures to post, I decided to change my behaviour, posting the pictures as soon as they are ready, and adding the comments later.
Don't get mad on me - I'm glad to share my pictures with you, and the comments will be added soon.
Written Aug 3, 2010
Puerta de Alcala is located at Plaza de la Independencia in Madrid in the entrance in Retiro Park. It is neoclassical granite gate with three large archways and two smaller rectangular passageways. Each of the archways is decorated with a lions head, sculpted by Roberto Michel. Construction of the gate took 9 years it was finally completed in 1778.
Written Oct 21, 2009
Madrid's national monument and one of the city's symbol. It is design by an Italian artist, Sabatini, ordered by King Carlos III in 1764. It is a neoclassical granite gate with five passage, three large archways and the other two rectangular are smaller. Each of the passageways is decorated with a lions head sculptured by Roberto Michel. The top of the gate is decorated with statues by Francisco Guttierez. The construction was completed after nine years.
Updated Feb 13, 2009
This is a monument in the Plaza de la Independencia, very close to Cibeles. It was built by order of king Carlos III as a monumental gate in the city wall to pass the road which leads to the city of Alcalá. It was inaugurated in 1778.
Take a moment to see it during the day and at night, I personally liked it better at night.
Puerta de Alcala was named from the old path from Madrid to the town of Alcalá de Henares.
Another symbol of Madrid.
Written Dec 31, 2008
Address: Calle de Alcala and Calle de Alfonso XII
This beautiful gate situated at plaza de Independencia is even more beautiful at night but its location next to one of the Retiro’s entrances will bring you here during the day too. It was the monumental gate on the road to the historical city Alcala de Henares. There was another smaller gate there that was built in 1599 but king Carlos III ordered a big one that was built on 1769 by the Italian architect Sabatini.
Written Sep 17, 2008
Address: next to Alcala street
It is called the "Puerta de Alcala" because it used to sit on the road that led to Alcala de Henares, a small historic town located about 30 km east of Madrid. It was built in the 1770s, after King Carlos III took a dislike to the old gate that dated back to 1599. It was designed by Francesco Sabatini in a neo-classical style, and it became the major point of entry to the city of Madrid. The area around the Puerta de Alcala has been remodelled over the years, and it now sits at the middle of the "Plaza de la Independicia", near the main entry to the Parque del Buen Retiro. It's worth seeing it during the day and going back at night when it's all lit up - it's one of Madrid's most photogenic monuments!
Written May 17, 2008
Address: Calle de Alcala
This is one of the main symbols of Madrid. It's situated in the Plaza de la Independencia, very close to the Cibeles fountain and right next to the Retiro Park. This port was at one time one of the entrances to the "Villa" of Madrid. Charles III had to it reconstructed to what its actual appearance in the 18th century, since he didn't like the previous port, and since then it because a symbol to the Villa that still remains today.
Written Jan 12, 2008
Address: Plaza de la Independencia
Is one of the most popular monuments in Madrid. King Charles III ordered built it in 1778 and the architect who designed it was Sabatini. It has 5 archs.
Es uno de los monumentos más famosos y representativos en Madrid. Fue mandada construir en 1778 por Carlos III y el arquitecto elegido fue Sabatini. Se compone de cinco arcos.
Written Dec 13, 2007
Address: Plaza de la Independencia
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Is one of the most popular monuments in Madrid. King Charles III ordered built it in 1778 and the architect who designed it was Sabatini. It has 5 archs. Es uno...
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