Puerta de Alcalá once marked the road into Madrid from Alcalá de Henares and now stands amid traffic at Plaza de la Independencia. Francesco Sabatini’s five-arched granite gate presents different faces to those entering and leaving the old city.
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The gate has five openings, and its two façades are not identical. Francesco Sabatini designed Puerta de Alcalá for Charles III, and it was completed in 1778 to replace an older entrance to the city.
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UpgradeQuick facts
- Francesco Sabatini designed the gate.
- It was completed in 1778 for Charles III.
- Its five arches distinguish it from other Madrid gates with three openings.
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