Alcala Gate
Plaza de la Independencia, 1, 28014 Madrid, Spain
Description:
The Alcalá Gate, built in 1778, is one of five former royal gates that opened access to the city.
They were designed by the Italian Francesco Sabatini in a mixed style of baroque and classicism. The granite gate has 5 spans, 3 of which are completed with semicircular arches decorated with bas-reliefs in the shape of lion heads. The other 2 spans are completed with rectangular arches and decorated with a cornucopia.
Above the central arch can be seen carved in Latin motto, above which there is a sculptural composition of Fama and Genius holding a shield. And the side arches depict the basic virtues: moderation, wisdom, courage and justice.