Said to be the first modern post-Roman triumphal arch built in Europe, the “Alcalá Gate” (in Spanish, La Puerta de Alcalá) is one of the most well-known monuments in Spain, but that is just part of the reason it is classified as a National Monument. Constructed before the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, the Puerta de Alcalá has become an important symbol for Madrid and all of Spain.
Constructing a Monumental Gate
Inaugurated in 1778, the current Puerta de Alcalá replaced a brick monument from the sixteenth century that King Charles III had demolished years earlier. Previously, it had been one of the five gates of the city walls. Like other puertas in Madrid, the name originates from the old path from Madrid to the nearby town of Alcalá de Henares. It was built in the city wall, which marked the eastern boundary of Madrid.
The gate, which measures 19.5 meters tall, has five arches in total with ornamental statues at the top created by sculpture artists Francisco Gutiérrez and Roberto Michel. The statues on top of the piece represent the four cardinal virtues of prudence, justice, restraint, and courage.
This connection to the past and culture of Madrid has enabled to be embraced by both residents and visitors. In 1986, Víctor Manuel and Ana Belén dedicated the song “La Puerta de Alcalá” to the monument and it became an instant hit in Spain that has since been covered by numerous singers. Events of various sizes have taken place at the Puerta de Alcalá, while performers such as Katy Perry, Thirty Seconds to Mars, and Linkin Park have all performed there live.
Appearing on numerous souvenirs and other items that are for sale across the city as well as in guides and maps of Madrid, the Puerta de Alcalá has become an icon of Madrid that has directly and indirectly benefited the economy and culture of the region.
An Emblematic Monument of Madrid
Standing near the multiple attractions within the city center and several meters away from the main entrance to the Buen Retiro Park has not prevented Puerta de Alcalá from being able to stand out and become an emblematic monument of modern Madrid. That a gate which once kept people out of the city is now actively welcoming them into it showcases the kind of transformative power monuments posses when they’re positioned in the right manner and context for both residents and visitors.
