EUROPE MADRID · SPAIN

Puerta de Alcalá

A free outdoor view of Madrid's restored 1778 city gate, beside Retiro Park and the busy Calle de Alcalá.

What to expect

Puerta de Alcalá was built from 1774 to 1778 under Charles III, replacing an earlier entrance to Madrid. Designed by Francesco Sabatini, the granite gate has five openings and two differently decorated façades. It stands in Plaza de la Independencia beside El Retiro; the monument is an outdoor landmark, not an interior attraction with ticketed visiting hours.

Free outdoor landmark

Before you go

Entry and costs

Viewing the gate from public streets and the nearby park is free. The monument has no regular interior visit; follow current pedestrian and construction controls.

Visitor notes

The City's restoration work finished in December 2023 and received a European heritage award in 2025. A separate renewal from Cibeles to Plaza de la Independencia is due to continue into Q1 2027. The City's 30 August 2026 update forecast that people would be able to walk under the arches before the end of 2026; check the latest on-site signs and notices to see whether that route is open on your visit.

Opening hours

Date-specific hours are not available for this place. Check the official page for the day you plan to visit.

Good for

ArchitectureRetiro walkLandmark photos

Official sourceTourism Madrid — Puerta de Alcalá history and access

City of Madrid — latest published Alcalá works update, 30 August 2026

Checked 2 November 2026. Hours, entry rules and access can change; check this page again before you visit.

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