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Puerta de Alcalá, Madrid (Spain). Photo by Edescas2 Wikimedia
Top 10 Fascinating Facts about Puerta de Alcalá
One of the most well-known landmarks in Madrid is the Puerta de Alcalá. This neo-classical triumphal arch can be seen adjacent to one of El Retiro’s principal entrances at Plaza de la Independencia (Independence Square).
The Puerta de Alcala was a gate from Philip IV’s old Walls. It may be found a short distance from the Parque del Buen Retiro’s main entrance and close to the city’s core. Although Alcalá Street does not pass through the monument, it divides the area in half. Alfonso XII, Serrano, and Olózaga streets all originate here. The historic route from Madrid to the surrounding town of Alcalá de Henares gave rise to the name of the place.
Madrid still appeared to be a somewhat dull neighborhood encircled by medieval walls in the late 18th century. A larger road to the city of Alcalá was to pass through this gate, which King Charles III had Francesco Sabatini build in place of an older, smaller gate that had previously been nearby. This gate was to be built within the city wall. It was established in 1778.
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Here are the Top 10 Fascinating Facts about Puerta de Alcalá
1. The History of Puerta de Alcala goes back 500 Years
View of Madrid’s Puerta de Alcalá at sunset. Photo by Juan Antonio Wikimedia
Despite King Charles III ordering construction in 1774 and having it completed and opened in 1778, the gate’s history goes back more than 500 years. Closer to the city stood a smaller, less magnificent gate built in the 1500s before the current entrance. The king was given several recommendations, but he ultimately settled on the one by Italian architect Francesco Sabatini.
2. It has been the First contemporary post-Roman Triumphal Arch constructed in Europe
After the Roman Empire collapsed, a number of strong states, most notably the Spanish Nation, emerged in Europe. Independence provides room for innovation and the possibility to rewrite history.
The Puerta de Alcalá in Madrid is the first modern post-Roman triumphal arch on the continent, and it is similar to the Roman triumphal arches that can be found all over the place. Each of its five arches, which stand 19.5 meters tall, is topped with the artwork. Two artists, Francisco Gutiérrez and Roberto Michel were in charge of the overall design.
3. It suffered damage throughout the Spanish Civil War
Puerta de Alcalá, Madrid (Spain). Photo by Edescas2 Wikimedia
Spain experienced a dangerous and tragic period during the Spanish Civil War, which lasted from 1936 to 1939. Since so many of Madrid’s structures and infrastructure were targeted, the city suffered as a result of the fighting. Bomb pieces and gunfire were frequently directed at the Puerta de Alcalá. Today, it’s still easy to see the harm caused by the conflict.
4. Puerta de Alcala was used as a livestock migratory Route
When the gate was first used for animal migration, sheep were commonly seen crossing through the entrance. However, the situation has changed recently. In contrast, the city celebrates its ancestry with the Trashumancia Festival every fall Sunday. During this celebration, 2,000 sheep are paraded through the streets of Madrid as a part of the ritual that includes passing the sheep through the monument. It’s simply breathtaking to watch those little animals swallow the city as they travel a well-known migration route.
5. Each side feature of Puerta de Alcala has a unique design
Puerta de Alcalá, Plaza de Independencia, Madrid, Spain. South side photo by Håkan Svensson (Xauxa) Wikimedia
An intriguing feature of the building is the use of distinct models to construct each side of the Puerta de Alcalá. The power of its magnificence and beauty usually astounds visitors. Looking from the side of the city into the center will reveal war relics such as flags, firearms, breastplates, and helmets.
The ornament on top of each of these three circular arches is a lion’s head. You will initially see the other side of the monument as you go closer, though. The other side is more ornately decorated and is topped with the royal coat of arms, which is held aloft by Fame with the aid of a child, and is what guests would first see as they entered the city. Four children who represent justice, tenacity, temperance, and wisdom are also shown in the pictures.
6. Puerta de Acala was given its name due to the connection of Spanish city of Alcala de Henares
The reason the street “Calle Alcalá” and its name, “Puerta de Alcalá,” were given these names was because they were connected to the Spanish city of Alcalá de Henares, which is situated 35 kilometers (22 miles) northeast of Madrid and whose core is a World Heritage Site. The prosperous neighborhood of Alcala de Henares is currently home to the renowned University of Alcala.
The arch is referred to as “Puerta” since it once served as one of the five royal entrances to the city of Madrid (Gate). In 1889, it was transformed into a plaza.
7. The Puerta del Alcala had restored a brick monument from the 15th century that was destroyed before King Charles III
View of Madrid’s Puerta de Alcalá at sunset. Photo by Juan Antonio Wikimedia
The original Alcalá Door in Madrid was not what it is today. A less spectacular and smaller equivalent of the entryway could be located closer to the city’s heart in the 1500s. When King Carlos III took control, he decided the former door would not enough and ordered that a new entry be built. He considered ideas by renowned architects José de Hermosilla and Ventura Rodriguez before choosing one by Italian architect Francisco Sabatini.
The first Puerta de Alcalá was destroyed in 1764, and construction on the replacement gateway began immediately afterward. The Puerta de Alcalá was finished in 1769 and publicly opened in 1778. The arch predates the Brandenburg Gate and the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
8. The Gate which has been situated close to other well-known Landmarks in Madrid and serves as one of the emblems of the country’s capital
The Alcalá Gate lies directly in front of El Retiro Park, Madrid’s most well-known park. If you view this gorgeous sight, this entry is the best place to go next because it is near the park’s man-made lake. It’s especially delightful to visit the memorial in the spring when the flower gardens are in blossom.
9. The Monument has been restored 5 times since it was created
Puerta de Alcalá photo by Patrick Dobeson Wikimedia
The gate stands 19.5 meters tall and has five arches in all, with ornate statues at the top created by sculptors Francisco Gutiérrez and Roberto Michel. The sculptures, according to mythology, represent values such as wisdom, justice, temperance, and bravery.
The well-known neoclassical design of the entryway is similar to various triumphal arches from ancient Rome that may be found all over the world. It was actually created before the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, making it one of Europe’s first triumphal arches built after the Roman Empire fell.
10. Puerta del Alcala has unique songs that draw music Artists from all over the World
It was written by two very well-known Spanish musicians named Ana Belén and Vctor Manuel and has a very likable melody. The 1986 song “La Puerta de la Alcalá” by Victor Manuel and Ana Belén, which became incredibly popular in Spain, was about the Puerta de Alcalá.
Popular musicians and bands like Katy Perry, Thirty Seconds to Mars, and Linkin Park have performed live at the Puerta de Alcalá recently
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