Puerta del Rey Carlos III

Did Charles III ever imagine his name would grace a gate leading to Madrid’s Royal Botanical Garden? The Puerta del Rey Carlos III, a grand monument of the late 18th century, stands as a testament to this enlightened monarch. Originally designed in 1773 by Francesco Sabatini as the main entrance to the gardens, the Puerta del Rey Carlos III, sometimes simply called “Puerta Real”, played a crucial role in the grand vision for the gardens under Charles III. Its granite structure, accented with limestone details, reflects a classical inspiration and echoes elements of the Puerta de San Vicente, also in Madrid. The gate shares a similar design, boasting a central arch, a crowning pediment, and two smaller, straight-topped doorways flanking the main entrance. Look closely at the side facing the Paseo del Prado. There you’ll find a rectangular panel resting on two Doric columns. This panel bears an inscription dedicated to Charles III and the year of the gate’s inauguration, 1781. Ironically, just a few years after its grand opening, the Puerta del Rey Carlos III lost its status as the main entryway. The Puerta de Murillo, situated near the Prado Museum, became the preferred access point. Designed by Juan de Villanueva, who also finalized the garden layout, the newer gate usurped the position of the Puerta del Rey Carlos III. Today, the Puerta del Rey Carlos III remains closed, a silent guardian of the garden’s history. It serves as a reminder of the era of Charles III and the constant evolution of Madrid’s urban landscape.