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The Puerta de San Vicente stop is a strategic and particularly scenic point along Route 1: Historic Madrid of our Madrid City Tour sightseeing bus. When you hop off at this spot in the western part of the city, you will find yourself at an important link between modern Madrid Río and Madrid’s impressive monumental skyline, home to the Royal Palace.
What is Puerta de San Vicente?
Puerta de San Vicente is one of the few monumental gateways preserved in the Spanish capital and a symbol of 18th-century Enlightenment-era Madrid. The monument you can see today is an exact replica of the original gate, designed in 1775 by renowned Italian architect Francesco Sabatini, who also designed the famous Puerta de Alcalá.
The gate was commissioned by King Charles III as part of his plans to beautify the city. Due to Madrid’s urban expansion and increasing traffic needs in the late 19th century, the original structure was dismantled in 1890. Recognising its historical and artistic value, Madrid City Council decided to rebuild it in 1995, returning this iconic granite arch to its original location so that locals and visitors could once again enjoy its elegant silhouette.
Where is Puerta de San Vicente?
This impressive structure stands at Glorieta de San Vicente, a privileged location overlooking the Manzanares River valley. It lies between the beginning of Madrid Río Park and the road leading up towards Plaza de España. Its proximity to iconic places such as Campo del Moro and Parque del Oeste makes it one of the most picturesque and photogenic areas along the route.
How to get to Puerta de San Vicente
A comfortable and enjoyable way to get there is by taking Route 1: Historic Madrid of Madrid City Tour. Along the way, you can enjoy views from the upper deck and watch the cityscape change as you travel from Madrid’s historic centre towards the green spaces in the west of the city.
On board, you will have access to an audio guide in 10 languages, including a children’s channel in Spanish and English, as well as free Wi-Fi, USB chargers and the City Tour App, where you can check the location of the buses in real time.
If you prefer public transport, the area is also well connected by Metro and city buses, making it easy to combine different ways of getting around during your visit.
What to see near Puerta de San Vicente
From this stop, you can easily reach some of Madrid’s most important attractions:
- Casa de Campo: Madrid’s largest urban park, an extensive green space offering leisure activities, nature and spectacular views.
- Almudena Cathedral: Visible from the roundabout, it is one of the capital’s most important religious landmarks, known for its impressive size and location next to the Royal Palace.
- Royal Palace: Just a short walk away, you can visit the official residence of the Spanish monarchy, located along Madrid’s spectacular monumental skyline.
- Madrid Río: A vast recreational and cultural area running alongside the Manzanares River, perfect for walking among its landscaped areas and monumental bridges.
Frequently asked questions
What is the oldest gate in Madrid?
Although Puerta de San Vicente was originally designed in 1775 and reconstructed in 1995, it is worth noting that, according to historical records of the monuments you will see along this route, the oldest monument in Madrid is not a gate but the Temple of Debod, which dates back to the 2nd century BC. Among Madrid’s monumental granite gates, Puerta de Toledo, inaugurated in 1827, is considerably later than Sabatini’s 18th-century designs, such as Puerta de San Vicente.
Who designed Puerta de San Vicente?
Francesco Sabatini designed Puerta de San Vicente in 1775. Sabatini was a key figure in Madrid’s architecture during this period and played an important role in shaping the city’s monumental appearance under the reign of Charles III. His Neoclassical style can be seen in the restrained elegance of the arch that once again stands proudly in the roundabout that bears its name.
