Snap Shot Wednesday: Puerta de Alcalá, Madrid

Today on our photography special, we are featuring Madrid’s iconic gate: Puerta de Alcalá. Standing at the crossroads of the city’s arteries – Calle de Alcalá and Alfonso XII – the gate used to be the main entrance to the walled city.

One of the most important kings in Spanish history, King Carlos III, ordered the construction of this monumental gate, to function as a yesteryear’s red carpet. In 1778, the gate was inaugurated.

Today, the neo-classical monument stands proud and tall in the busy Plaza de la Independencia, next to the main entrance of the city’s park – Parque de Retiro. Most visitors make their way here to snap a photo as a momento. Although the gate no longer has any practical function, its classic architectural style is still worth admiring especially from the shady cafes that line the plaza.

In summer, you would see multi-hued flowers blooming and emerald green grass grazing its feet. Contrasting with the gate’s dull grey facade, it’s exceptionally gorgeous under the sun’s glow. Make sure you get here early to get a good shot when direct sunshine falls on the gate.

How to get there:

Location:  map

By metro: Alight at Retiro (Line 2) station, the gate is right infront of the station exit.

By bus: 1, 9, 20, 146, 15, 2, 51, 52, 74

By foot: At the end of Gran Via, walk along Calle Alcalá towards the direction of Retiro.

Photo credit: marcp_dmoz