Puerta de Toledo

This triumphal arch, located between the neighborhoods of La Latina and Embajadores, was erected to commemorate the arrival in Madrid of Fernando VII the Desired. The work replaces other previous doors located in the vicinity since the 16th century, although its direct precedent is an arch that José Bonaparte, the French king imposed by his brother Napoleon, commissioned between 1811 and 1812 from the Spanish architect Silvestre Pérez, who never arrived. to be held.

On the side facing the Manzanares River, above the central arch, a group of sculptures were installed, created by Valeriano Salvatierra and Ramón Barba, representing the power of the Spanish monarchy in both hemispheres. Also on this side, on top of the other two arches, several military trophies were placed. Finally, on the other side of the monument, the emblem of the city of Madrid is shown, held by two geniuses.In 1996 it was declared a place of cultural interest with the Monument category.

I recommend as for any big city a tour by sightseeing bus