This grand Neoclassical triumphal arch was commissioned by King Carlos III to celebrate the arrival of the monarchs to Spain's capital city.
The monument was designed by Francesco Sabatini and built between 1769 and 1778. Nearly 30 meters high, the elegant granite entrance gate makes a grand impression.
The facade is adorned with sculptures, capitals, and decorative reliefs. Just below the monument, at 54 Calle de Alcala, is Madrid's fanciest patisserie shop Pastelería Vait, which offers exquisite cakes, cookies, pastries, chocolate candies, and hot chocolate
