La Puerta de Alcalá

Before you start reading this review, I recommend that you search for the song, “La Puerta de la Alcalá”, sung as a duet by María Belén and Víctor Manuel. This song was popularised in the 1980s and it’s holds a very important position in the culture of Madrid, and, after only listening to it once, you will have an idea of how relevant this historic monument of the famous “Puerta de Alcalá” is for Madrid. The monument is located in the Plaza de la Independencia and was declared as Spanish Property of Cultural Interest in 1976, which makes it even more important that you don’t miss seeing it during your stay in Madrid.

A little bit of historical context… or, ‘What’s that behind you in the selfie? ’

I am going to make reference of a line from the song that I mentioned earlier: “Ahí está, ahí está viendo pasar el tiempo… la puerta de Alcalá”. This neoclassical-style construction is from the year 1778, meaning that it has spent a little over two hundred years as a witness to the most important events occurring in Madrid, like, for example: the Siege of Madrid (which took place during the Spanish Civil War), the Franco dictatorship, the student revolts of 1968, and the last two 'movidas madrileñas' (these are the events that the song makes reference to).

Something quite interesting is that the designer of the Puerta de Alcalá is no other than Francesco Sabatini, who was one of the architects chosen by Carlos III and who also encompasses another attraction in Madrid: the Gardens of Sabatini (if this attraction interests you, you can find and read the review that I wrote about it on my profile).

The Puerta de Alcalá was originally one of the five Royal gates used to access the city, and this one, in particular, was the one which gave access to those visitors coming from France, Aragon, and Catalonia. In fact, it was the first triumphal arch which made the construction of the other archs across Europe "fashionable", as it was even built before the Berlin's Brandenburg Gate and the Arc de Triomphe in Paris (who would have thought that the Puerta de Alcalá was the first... ).

In fact, I really recommend that you read the review I wrote about Gran Vía y Plaza de España, as you will be able to have some more context about what the city's architecture was like back then, but now I will briefly mention the basics so that you have an idea about how the city was set out.

The first thing that the travellers would see was the Plaza de Toros de las Ventas, and, after walking a little further, the Puerta de Alcalá, which, as we spoke about before, was one of the entrances to the city. Penetrating further into the city, you would now find yourself on Calle de Alcalá, where the Cibeles Fountain can be found, which is another important and impressive tourist attraction. Continuing the journey, they would then find themselves on Gran Vía, which was one of the main avenues that connected the city with distant places. Although, almost parallel to it on the Calle de Alcalá, you will find the Plaza del Sol, and very close to that, the Plaza Mayor, the Opera, and (finally) the Royal Palace of Madrid.

Three centuries ago, the city of Madrid was very small, and where you entered the city at that time is actually now the city centre.

Now, yes, I want my selfie!

It's important that, when choosing an angle for your photo, you pick the side of the gate that faces towards Retiro Park, as, from the eastern side, you will much better appreciate the main facade. I have seen some people taking their photos from the other side as, right now, it's difficult to distinguish which is the main facade because both sides are adorned.

In the middle of street intersection, you will find a cement bench which I consider to be an ideal place to take a photo from, as this historic monument can be accessed 24 hours a day. Although, during the weekends, it's likely that there will be a little queue (I'd say it lasts around 5 minutes) to take the famed photo of such a spectacular monument.

Details to observe... Does what I can see have any meaning?

In the arched part of the gate, you will find a lion's head on one side and that of a satyr's on the other (ancient Greek spirit of fertility). There are also large shields above the arches which show abundance through a cornucopia.

In the main entrance, the Royal Shield is found on one side, and war trophies on the other. Something that I love about these kind of decorations is the meaning behind them; it's something quite beautiful that the city represents its identity with the use of certain figures - an example of this being the four virtues that the "peace angels" represent. Prudence, temperance, fortitude, and justice are the values that are represented by the four boys that hold a scale, a mirror, a lance, and a stirrup.

Which tourist attractions are close to here?

Well, to your right, you have the famous Retiro Park, then there's the Cibeles Fountain, the Madrid City Council building, the Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas ('Las Ventas', for short), the Plaza del Sol, the Post Office, the famous Statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree, and Gran Vía.

How much does it cost?

It's a public historical monument for all, which means that it's a definite "must see" free visit whilst in Madrid.

What time can I go there?

Every day of the year and at any point during the day - I recommend that you go during daylight so you can better take in the views of the monument.

How do I get there?

If you come by metro, the best thing to do would be to take the red line (line 2) and alight in the station, 'Retiro'.

The best option would be to go by bus because the Plaza de Cibeles is where almost all of the buses depart, and as the Puerta de Alcalá is situated very close to there, many of them stop there. The routes that you can take are: 1, 2, 9, 15, 19, 20, 51, 52, 74, 146, N2, N3, N5, N6, N7, and N8.

(If you need to know what time the buses stop here, you can find timetables here. )

Recommendations:

• Visit the Puerta de Alcalá by day and by night; it looks spectacular with the lighting during the evening
• Take advantage of the other tourist attractions that are located less than a kilometre away from here

It's free, it's historical, it has been declared Spanish Property of Cultural Interest, it's always open... don't even think about the decision to go for a second longer, just go and visit the Puerta de Alcalá.