Puerta de Alcalá

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Puerta de Alcalá

Puerta de Alcalá Madrid

The Puerta de Alcalà, is one of the great symbols ofMadrid, which owes its name to the ancient path used to reach Alcalà de Henares.

The construction of the gate was ordered to welcome Margaret of Austria, the wife of Philip III. and works began in 1768. Some years later Charles III ordered the enlargement of the gate, which brought to the current aspect.

The gate is 21 mt. high and is made up of five openings, three semicircular and two rectangular archesi.The three central arches are towered by lion heads nd some low relieves representing cornucopias, as symbol of the wealth enjoyed by Spain under Charles III.
A memorial plaque is placed on the highest point of the door, commemorating King Charles IIIhe plaque represents a shield, supported by the allegoric figures offame and Genius. In the past the gate openings were provided with some iron bars, which were closed every day at dusk.

The lovely position of the gate, right next to the Buon Retiro Parkand close to the Cibeles fountain , make this one of the finest monuments of Madrid.

Puerta de Alcalà
Plaza de la Indipendencia,
Madrid

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Places not to miss in Madrid:

» The Royal Palace

» Plaza Mayor

» National Museum Prado

» National library

» Art center Reina Sofia

» Almudena Cathedral

» Casa de la Villa

» Metropòlis

» Fuente de la Cibeles