Description

Essentials about Plaza de Cibeles in brief

Plaza de Cibeles (Cybele Square) is one of the most important and magnificent squares of Madrid and, accordingly, a frequent motif on postcards of the Spanish capital. The Plaza is one of the main traffic hubs of Madrid and is located at the intersection of Calle de Alcalá, the main entrance road from the east, with Paseo de Recoletos and Paseo del Prado. The splendor of Plaza de Cibeles is made by the impressive ensemble of the Fuente de Cibeles fountain in the center of the square with the imposing building of Cybele Palace, which houses the Madrid City Council.

The Fuente de Cibeles

Located in the middle of the huge traffic circle, the Fuente de Cibeles fountain is dedicated to the Greek goddess Cybele, who symbolizes the earth, agriculture and fertility. The goddess is seated on a chariot pulled by lions. The fountain was built in 1782 as a joint work of the sculptors Francisco Gutiérrez (for the goddess figure and the chariot) and Roberto Michel (for the lions) and the decorative painter Miguel Ximénez (for the overall decoration).

Incidentally, in earlier times, the Fuente de Cibeles was not only a decorative monument, but also had a very practical use for the Madrid city population. It served as a watering place for horses and for the water carriers who supplied the houses with water.

The buildings at Plaza de Cibeles

On the four sides of the square are famous buildings such as Palacio de Buenavista (the headquarters of the Spanish Army), Palacio de Linares (with the Casa de América), Banco de España (the headquarters of the Central Bank of Spain) and Cybele Palace (the headquarters of the Madrid City Council).

Incidentally, during major Real Madrid triumphs, Plaza de Cibeles is transformed into a sea of Real supporters. The fans of the royals celebrate their (quite frequent) big victories in the Plaza, such as winning the Spanish League or the Champions League.

Website

Unavailable.

Opening hours

Admission fees

None.

Address

Getting there

By public transport:

Metro line 2: Stop Banco de España

Bus lines 1, 2, 5, 9, 10, 14, 15, 20, 27, 34, 37, 45, 51, 52, 53, 74, 146, 150, 203, N2, N3, N5, N6, N7, N8, N9, N10, N11, N16, N17, N18, N19, N25 and N27: Stop Cibeles

By car:

The nearest car parks are Madrid Emt and the Aparcamiento Museo del Prado – Montalbán.