Gaze up at the imposing structure of the Gate of Toledo (Puerta de Toledo), the former entrance to Madrid from Andalusia. Study the artistic and architectural features that decorate the three arches of this 62-feet (19-meter) tall monument. Follow the historic avenue that leads from the Gate of Toledo to Plaza Mayor and the heart of the city center.
Construction of the gate began in 1812 under the orders of the Napoleonic king Joseph Bonaparte. However, the project was later put on hold following the fall of the Napoleonic rule. Fernando VII of Spain restarted the building work after taking the Spanish throne from Bonaparte. He commissioned Antonio López Aguado to design a neoclassical landmark using stone quarried in Colmenar de Oreja.
The gate features a central curved arch flanked by lateral square arches. Ionic columns and pilasters, set on pedestals and topped by decorative capitals, add elegance to both sides. A circular lawn and flowerbeds surround the entire structure.
Position yourself on the south side of the gate to see sculptures by Toledo-born Valeriano Salvatierra and Ramón Barba from Murcia. The sculptures symbolize the influence held by the Spanish monarchy in the northern and southern hemispheres during the medieval era. Two angels adorn the north side and are shown holding aloft the coat of arms of Madrid. Alongside them are sculptures that depict significant achievements by the Spanish armed forces.
A busy traffic circle surrounds the gate, making it often difficult to get up close to it. View it comfortably and take photographs from the wide pavements instead. Or, take a seat at a roadside table at one of the nearby cafés.
Getting to the Gate of Toledo is easy by taking the metro to Puerta de Toledo station. Walk north along Calle de Toledo, a picturesque street that finishes at Plaza Mayor. The same street connects with Madrid Rio waterfront park to the south. If you are here on a Sunday then continue your sightseeing at El Rastro, an open-air flea market in the maze-like La Latina neighborhood.
