It took almost 1500 years from the Arch of Constantine in Rome for another ruler to commission a triumphant arch. In 1778, the enlightened despot Charles III unveiled the Puerta de Alcalá, one of the emblems of Bourbon Madrid and one of the most photographed buildings in the entire Spanish capital.

The Puerta de Alcalá was conceived as a monumental entrance to the city, a triumphal arch that welcomed travelers and visitors arriving from the Alcalá Road, which connected Madrid to the city of Alcalá de Henares. It was one of the five monumental gates providing access to the city, which was much smaller in the 18th century than it is today.

Its neoclassical design was the work of the architect Francesco Sabatini, and its construction took nearly two decades, from 1769 to 1778. Due to the Spanish civil wars of the 19th and 20th centuries, it had to be restored five times. For example, there are still impacts from projectiles fired during the rebellions against Ferdinand VII in 1823.

From a broader perspective, the Puerta de Alcalá was just one piece of the grand urban remodeling and beautification program that King Charles III initiated in the area (the Retiro Park, the Cibeles Fountain, the Prado building, the Royal Botanical Garden, among many others). Seeing this and other examples, it's clear why he earned the nickname "the best mayor of Madrid."

The gate is constructed from granite stone and consists of five arches (three round arches, two linteled), topped by a cornice decorated with mythological figures and reliefs representing allegorical scenes. At the top of the gate, you'll find three shields: one of Spain, another of the city of Madrid, and the third of Charles III.

As mentioned, it was the first modern triumphal arch in Europe since Roman times. This means it predates the famous Arc de Triomphe in Paris and the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.

More recently, it became internationally known due to the success of the song from the album "Para la ternura siempre hay tiempo" (1986) by Bernardo Fuster, Luis Mendo, Miguel Ángel Campos, and Francisco Villar, although it was later re-recorded by Ana Belén and Víctor Manuel. That's why everyone passing by its roundabout repeats the enchanting refrain, "¡Mírala, mírala, mírala!" ("Look at it, look at it, look at it!")

Even though it's now surrounded by cars, not pedestrians, the Puerta de Alcalá remains an iconic spot in Madrid and a symbol of welcome and hospitality for tourists arriving in the city. Visiting the Puerta de Alcalá is an easy stop to enjoy the Madrid of the Enlightenment thanks to the beautiful district that surrounds it.