Puerta de Toledo Gate

Nineteen metres tall and opened in 1827, this is the most recent monumental gate built in Madrid. The impressive granite construction was started in 1812 under the orders of Joseph Bonaparte. One year later, after the withdrawal of the French troops from Spain, the project continued and Puerta de Toledo became the site to receive Fernando VII, as represented on one of the friezes.

The monument consists of a Central semicircular arch, two lintelled gates and a decoration formed by columns, with a set of sculptures high up and featuring the city’s coat of arms. This gate, restored in 1995, was the former entrance to the capital from Andalucía.

Practical info:
Construction: Gateway
Origin: 19th century
Artistic period: Neo-classical
Historic period: 19th century