alcala gate (puerta de alcala)

Located just at the north-west corner of the Retiro Park. Constructed in second half of 18th century it used to be an eastern gate of Madrid at those times. Good view down the Alcala street towards Plaza de Cibeles and junction of the street with Gran Via.

Puerta de Alcala is just a huge monument in the middle of a trafiic circle. It is impressive and cool looking but that's about it, so go there if you have never been to Madrid before. Here's the tip; there are really cool bars on the western side of the plaza, all of them with outdoor seating even in winter (they have space heaters and blankets). So, for a really cool experience, go at night when the monument is lit and sit outside to enjoy the view with some good companion. The bars in that section of town are not known for their culinary excellence although you will never be disappointed with food in Madrid so beer, wine and tapas plus some engaging conversation in a beautiful night setting is what I like about the place. The plaza is reached by Metro or walking from the Gran Via.

This is one of the city's gate located very close to Metro Retiro.We went here after strolling around in Parque del Retiro.It is very close to Palacio de Cibeles as well.From my side, really it is not that interesting.... again perhaps because I am an art guy.

Also by night, when the multi-color lights are on.The gate is very impressive, and it's nice to view it from different points.

The beautiful gate is surrounded by a roundabout loaded with traffic. Thankfully there are street lights for pedestrians. It is pretty photogenic none the less.

The Alcala Gate or Spanish in language "Puerta Alcalá", is a monument located in the heart of the city, along the Plaza de la Independencia, really adjacent to the immense garden of the Parque del Retiro. Attraction to be seeing closely to admire the beautiful and precious sculptural details. Although only moraine short visit but it is a must.

Statue of Carlos3. Breaking point for the families.Fathers take kids to the Retiro Park, mothers go in opposite direction - of course shopping in Serrano district.Both have a flavor of the...pleasure.

We arrived here after visiting the park opposite and immediately were struck by the impressive architecture. Its a fantastic site and steeped in history. Come see it.

This gate is stunning. During the christmas season it is decorated. There also many beautiful flowers. Perfect spot for a picture!

This is another Madrid icon, you have to go and admire all the flowers and the lights during the chsristmas season. This door is my favorite compared to the others and is great for taking pictures or a selfie lol.

We were lucky enough to view this both at night and during the day. It's so impressive. At night, it was lit up for Christmas and police stopped traffic to allow tourists to take pictures from the street. A handful of restaurants surrounding the plaza/circle with lovely outdoor dining.

Imposing, beautiful and now in Xmas all lighted up. A must seen in Madrid, next to Retro park and Center.

The Puerta de Alcala is a Neoclassic monument that is very beautiful. The square it is on is kept tidy all year long and is planted with flowers. Francesco Sabatini designed this wonderful monument and it adorns the city. There is plenty of traffic around the square, so many people passing by can admire the beautiful architecture. There are many cafeterias that line the square.

Puerta de Alcala is very close to the entrance of Parque Retiro. It's very convenient to visit these two places by getting off the Metro at the stop "Retiro"(Linea 2). This magnificent monument is a perfect place for taking a picture.

This representative monument was built in 1778 and it was one of five doors to go into Madrid.Puerta de Alcalá is located in a very interesting Point in Madrid. In front of Parque del Retiro (another "must" in your visit for Madrid), it is close to Plaza Cibeles (Place of interest) near to Prado and Thyssen Museums and in the beginning of Gran Vía Street (Probably the most important street in Madrid for tourists).In Summary I suggest to dedicate a day to visit Puerta de Alcala, give a walk in Parque del Retiro gardens and finish in the afternoon going all over Gran Vía Street.