La Cibeles Fountain – Cybele Fountain

La Cibeles Fountain – Cybele Fountain

The Cibeles fountain is a monument worked in marble of Toledo, of the goddess Cybele, on a chariot drawn by lions. It is located in the plaza of the same name where Alcala Street, Paseo del Prado, and Recoletos meet.

La Cibeles vista hacia el Norte, con el Palacio de Linares a la derecha.
La Cibeles vista hacia el Norte, con el Palacio de Linares a la derecha.

In this square, there are four important buildings, which are landmarks of Madrid; the Palacio de Comunicaciones (old main Post Office, and today’s City Hall of Madrid), the Bank of Spain, the Linares Palace (today Casa de America), and the Buenavista Palace (Spanish Army Headquarters).

Vista de Madrid desde Plaza Cibeles al Oeste. A la izquierda se aprecia el Banco de España y a la derecha el Palacio Buenavista.
Vista de Madrid desde Plaza Cibeles al Oeste. A la izquierda se aprecia el Banco de España y a la derecha el Palacio Buenavista.

The Cibeles is neo classical style sculpture that was initially placed next to the Buenavista Palace in 1782. At that time, King Carlos III, was very influenced by neoclassicism and Roman mythological themes, which started with urban reforms in Madrid.

La Diosa Cibeles también llamada Metragirta.
La Diosa Cibeles también llamada Metragirta.

The Cibeles fountain was not only a monument, but also fulfilled a useful service to the locals. From the beginning, the fountain had two ducts that were used by the water carriers or suppliers of city water, and the other for public use.

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