Arco de la Victoria

Known popularly as La Puerta de Moncloa, this triumphal arch, which bears a striking resemblance to La Puerta de Alcalá, was built in the 50s and is located by one of the main entrances into Madrid, in the district of Moncloa.

The monument was designed by architects Modesto López Otero and Pascual Bravo Sanfeliú, which raised a 40 metre high arch, supported by two rectangular bases. In each of these bases there is an entrance hall giving access to the upper part via a marble staircase or a lift. The adornment, created by Moisés de Huerta, includes bas-reliefs in a neoclassical style on the frieze, and figures that represent military virtues on the north wing and academic disciplines on the other wing. The top is crowned by a sculpture representing the goddess Minerva driving a chariot.

After its transfer at zero cost by the Urban Development Consortium of the University City of the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM) to the Madrid City Council for 25 years at the end of October 2023, there is currently a debate about its current use after several years of neglect. In the meantime, minor works have been carried out on its surface to repair the pavement, which was in poor condition, and it will soon be refurbished.