The Puerta de Alcalá is one of Madrid’s most famous and photographed landmarks, as well as a true symbol of the city. It was commissioned in 1769 by King Charles III, who entrusted the project to architect Francisco Sabatini to commemorate his official arrival in the capital in 1778. The Puerta de Alcalá was part of Madrid’s former monumental gates, built when the city was still surrounded by walls, and marked the entrance from the Aragón road. Sabatini designed a neoclassical structure with five arches, three semicircular and two lintelled at the ends, an innovative design for its time. Located next to Retiro Park and Plaza de la Independencia, it is now a must-see sight and can be comfortably admired on board the hop on hop off Madrid City Tour, offering a panoramic view of this iconic monument. The Madrid City Tour route makes it easy to discover this historic landmark as part of modern Madrid, combining heritage, major avenues and green spaces.
