Plaza de la Independencia

The Plaza de la Independencia is one of the city’s emblematic landmarks, where Calle Serrano, Calle Alcalá and Calle Alfonso XII converge. A square where one of the city’s iconic monuments, the Puerta de Alcalá gate, is located.

A neoclassical archway with five openings in the style of triumphal arches, built in 1778 by the architect Francisco Sabatini as part of the reforms undertaken during the reign of Charles III. It served as the gateway to and from the town, with three semi-circular arches for carriages and two with smaller lintels for pedestrians.

Although the two façades differ in their décor; the interior one is somewhat simpler (formerly the one that faced towards the city, on which the four virtues appear: Prudence, Justice, Temperance and Fortitude) than the exterior, presided over by the royal coat of arms and featuring a more opulent décor, which was seen by those entering Madrid.

The square was planned in the style of Parisian squares, maintaining to a certain extent the central gardens that retain classic elements of that period. Together with the Puerta de la Independencia in the El Retiro Park and the buildings that surround the square, it forms a historic and artistic complex that has become a major tourist attraction on the Cibeles-Retiro axis.

Nowadays, the wide sidewalks surrounding the roundabout have a variety of street furniture and lively terraces run by hotels and restaurants. An enclave that serves as a venue for social and cultural events in the city.

Updated: 11/12/2019