The Puerta de Alcalá is probably the best known of Madrid’s old city gates. It was commissioned in the early 1770s by King Carlos III as a grander replacement for the original gate, built in 1559. The gate was designed by prominent architect Francisco Sabatini and decorated with friezes, reliefs and statues by Robert de Michel and Francisco Gutiérrez. Today the Puerta de Alcalá stands at the near center of Madrid, though it once marked the city’s eastern extremity and the road to Alcalá de Henares.Stand on the corner of one of many roads that meet at the gate and admire the elegant neoclassical architecture. There are three principal archways topped with lions’ heads and two smaller rectangular openings with cornucopia reliefs. Admire the columns that adorn its eastern side or look up to see the royal coat of arms. The inscription below reads “Rege Carolo III Anno MDCCLXXVIII,” a tribute to King Carlos III. You’ll also notice an array of allegorical statues atop the gate. Inspect the masonry closely to see damage from a cannon shell that exploded nearby in the early 1800s. Walk the small, but immaculate gardens around the gate or simply take it all in from afar. Getting close to the gate can be difficult as it’s surrounded by traffic, so it’s often best viewed from a nearby restaurant, bar or hotel. Check it out at night to see it spectacularly lit up.The Puerta de Alcalá is directly east along Calle de Alcalá from Puerta del Sol. It’s right beside El Retiro Park and the Retiro metro station. You’ll be able to visit the gate at any time of day or night, but it makes a great stop on the way to the El Retiro, Gran Vía or the Plaza de Cibeles.
Puerta de Alcalá Tours
Visit Puerta de Alcalá
Plan a trip to see Puerta de Alcalá
Hotel Regina
Reviewed on Mar 17, 2024
Relais & Châteaux Heritage Madrid
Reviewed on Mar 4, 2024
Browse tours and tickets to explore Puerta de Alcalá
Tours & day trips
See all 766 activitiesOpens in new tabDay Tour to Toledo, Segovia & optional visit to Avila. 3 cities in 1 day
Private & custom tours
See all 261 activitiesOpens in new tabMadrid: Private City Tour by Electric Tuk Tuk
Adventure & outdoor
See all 48 activitiesOpens in new tabMadrid: Private City Tour by Electric Tuk Tuk
Shows & concerts
See all 35 activitiesOpens in new tabMadrid: Live Flamenco Show with Food and Drinks Options
Classes & workshops
See all 28 activitiesOpens in new tabSpanish Cooking Class: Paella, Tapas & Sangria in Madrid
Popular places to visit
National Museum of Decorative Arts
You can browse the exhibits at National Museum of Decorative Arts, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Madrid. Experience the acclaimed theater scene and entertainment choices in this vibrant area.
Church of San Manuel y San Benito
Admire the impressive neo-Byzantine architecture of this century-old landmark before passing through the entrance to discover a fascinating array of artwork.
Plaza de Cibeles
Lined with extravagant old buildings and renowned for the iconic fountain at its center, this is one of Madrid’s most impressive squares.
Cybele's Fountain
You can learn about the history of Madrid with a visit to Cybele's Fountain. Discover the acclaimed art scene and shops in this vibrant area.
National Archaeological Museum
Take a trip into the past as you explore the collections of this vast museum. Find prehistoric cave paintings, Roman mosaics and Greek vases under one roof.
Paseo del Prado
Immerse yourself in culture as you spend a day exploring the many art galleries scattered along this charming, leafy boulevard.
Best Lodging Options Near Puerta de Alcalá
Check availability on hotels close to Puerta de Alcalá
- Vacations and getaways similar to Puerta de Alcalá
- Other Hotels near Puerta de Alcalá, Salamanca
- Hotels near popular Madrid Attractions
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Gran View Apartments
- One Shot Recoletos 04
- NH Collection Madrid Suecia
- Hotel Madrid Gran Via 25 Affiliated by Meliá
- Hotel Hospes Puerta de Alcalá
- Boutike Cibeles
- Petit Palace Savoy Alfonso XII
- Hotel Regente
- Pestana CR7 Gran Vía Madrid
- Barceló Torre de Madrid
- Iberostar Las Letras Gran Via
- Thompson Madrid, by Hyatt
- Hotels near Gran Via
- Hotels near Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
- Hotels near Puerta del Sol
- Hotels near Plaza Mayor
- Hotels near Prado Museum
- Hotels near Royal Palace of Madrid
- Hotels near IFEMA
- Hotels near Madrid Zoo Aquarium
- Hotels near El Retiro Park
- Hotels near Cívitas Metropolitan Stadium
- Hotels near WiZink Center
- Hotels near Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
- Hotels near Plaza de Castilla
- Hotels near Casa de Campo
- Hotels near Plaza de Santa Ana
- Hotels near Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum
- Hotels near Plaza de España - Princesa
- Hotels near U.S. Embassy
- Hotels near Lope de Vega Theatre
- Hotels near Plenilunio Shopping Mall