Madrid - Alcalá Gate

(Local Name: Puerta de Alcalá) The Puerta de Alcalá, one of Madrid's familiar landmarks, was built by Charles III's architect, Francesco Sabatini, between 1769 annd 1778. This Neo-Classical gate replaced the Baroque arch which had been erected for the entry into Madrid of Margaret of Habsburg, Philip III's wife.

Situated on the important road to northwestern Spain and France, the Puerta de Alcalá was a major element in Charles III's plan for the embellishment of eastern Madrid. The royal residence of Buen Retiro was the central feature of a large-scale development project which included the building up of the meadowland of San Jerónimo, the establishment of the Jardín Botánico and the construction of the