- Address: Plaza de la Independencia, 1, 28001 Madrid, Spain
- Discovery: 1778
- Height: 21 m
- Architectural style: Neoclassical architecture
The Gates of Alcala ( Madrid ) - a granite structure on the Plaza de la Independencia. The style of the monument is a transitional between baroque and classicism. The Alcalá Gate, like the one with the same name, is named after the road connecting Madrid and Alcalá de Henares (Independence Square divides Alcalá Street into 2 parts). The gate is a national monument.
A bit of history
Madrid has long been surrounded by city walls. And it is understandable that in these walls there were gates. The old Puerta de Alcala was erected in 1598, in honor of the arrival of Queen Margarita of Austria from Valencia, and were one of the five main Madrid gates. Then they were much smaller and consisted of a central arch and two side extensions. However, when the street of Alcala was expanded, there was a need to increase the capacity of the gate, and, therefore, their expansion. In 1764 the construction of new gates under the direction of the architect Francesco Sabatini was started. The grand opening of the gates took place 14 years later, in 1778. The wall on both sides of them continued to exist until 1869.
The appearance of the gate
Since the projects were presented a lot, apparently, it was difficult for King Charles III to stay on one option, therefore, having identified Sabatini as the winner, he did not choose which version of the project he liked more - with columns or with pilasters. As a result, both options were used, and the facade of the gate on both sides looks different. The eastern façade is decorated with 10 granite columns, and the facade facing the city has 6 supports in the form of pilasters and only near the central arch there are 2 pairs of pillars in the form of columns.
The height of the gate is 21 meters. It is 5 spans: 3 central with semi-circular arches and 2 extreme with rectangular. Semicircular arches are decorated with the heads of lions, rectangular - horns of abundance. Above the central arch on both sides is the inscription "Rege Carolo III. Anno MDCCLXXVIII ", which can be translated as" In the Name of King Charles III, 1778 "or" Being King Charles III, 1778 ". On the outside, above the inscription is a shield, supported by Genius and Glory. On the sides are the figures of children.
The lateral arches are decorated with images of the main four virtues: Wisdom, Justice, Moderation and Courage. The author of the images is Francisco Arribas. Sculptures are made of limestone in a baroque manner.
Interesting fact
In 1985, about the gate Ana Belen and Victor Manuel created a song dedicated to the gate, which occupied the top lines in the Spanish and Latin American charts.
How to get there?
The gate can be reached from the metro stations Retiro and Banco de Espana; from the first station to get closer, because the gate is very close to the Retiro Park .
| | | |
