Bright and festive Madrid attracts with its beautiful streets, architectural monuments, ultra-modern buildings, parks, and boulevards. One of the most beautiful places in the capital is Plaza de Cibeles, which countless visitors admire and locals take pride in.
History
The lands around Madrid began to be developed and built upon by King Philip II of the Habsburg dynasty (1556 – 1598). The appearance of Plaza de Cibeles, which is now a hallmark of Spain, dates back to 1570. Construction continued in the 18th century under King Carlos III, expanding the territory and building new structures. Plaza de Cibeles represents an almost perfectly round circle, bordered by buildings of incredible beauty.
Originally, this place was not so elegant and refined, and no one thought about its aesthetic value—it served as an administrative center with banks and offices. Business meetings took place here, contracts were signed, and financial transactions were carried out. People came to learn the news and socialize with acquaintances. Even the famous fountain, which now attracts visitors from all over the world, was used for practical purposes—it served as a source of clean water for Madrid’s residents.
Attractions
Plaza de Cibeles is located in the center of Madrid. The territory houses architecturally complex historical buildings, unified by a fountain installed in the central part. Here are the Buenavista Palace, Linares Palace, Cibeles Palace, and the Bank of Spain building. The construction of the Bank began in 1884, and its grand opening took place in 1891.
In the 20th century, the building was reconstructed, expanded, adorned with elegant stained glass, and a glass dome was installed. The facade features portals decorated with stucco, arched galleries. It is said that from the Bank, one can access a secret treasure room through an underground passage, where gold is hidden. In case of danger, the room is flooded with water from the fountain to protect the valuables.
Cibeles Palace
Built in 1918 in the Art Nouveau style, this white building was intended for the postal administration. The project authors were Joaquin Otamendi and Antonio Palacios. Majestic and elegant at the same time, with pilasters on the colonnade, intricate galleries, and graceful turrets. The portal is decorated with the coats of arms of Spain and the seven provinces surrounded by apostles, and round clocks are mounted above the entrance. The interior is also richly decorated, with many original details in the finish.
Interestingly, the name Cibeles only appeared in 2011 when the building became the property of the city hall. In 1993, a significant reconstruction was carried out under the direction of architect Bethleem Ayuso Islandua. The interior is divided into several sections, housing not only office spaces. A cultural center with a relaxation area with comfortable sofas, and free Wi-Fi is available.
Guests invariably enjoy the exhibition, which primarily focuses on urbanism, particularly Madrid. Vernissages are held, a library operates, and a restaurant with excellent cuisine is open. The large courtyard, where postal transport used to be parked, is now covered with a glass roof. It is now used for entertainment events. If you go up to the roof, you will reach an observation deck located 60 meters high, offering a magnificent view of the city.
Cibeles Fountain
The square owes much of its popularity to the famous fountain of the same name, installed in honor of the goddess Cybele. Built during the reign of King Carlos III, who carried out significant urban planning reforms. By the ruler’s order, lighting was installed, water pipes were laid, and the streets were paved with cobblestones. The fountain in Salon del Prado, a place for Madrid residents to stroll, was also part of the project.
The composition’s central figure is the goddess Cybele (in Spanish, Cibeles), who symbolizes Mother Nature and is the patroness of agriculture and fertility. The goddess sits in a chariot drawn by lions. According to legend, Hippomenes and Atalanta were turned into lions by Aphrodite for their disrespectful behavior. As punishment, they must eternally pull the chariot.
Designed in 1777 by Ventura Rodriguez. The sculpture of the goddess and the chariot was crafted by Francisco Gutierrez, the lions by Roberto Michel, and the overall design by Miguel Jimenez. The structure was built and installed in another location in 1782 but was moved to its current position at the end of the 19th century. Now, the figure of the goddess, affectionately called “the eternal bride” by the locals, is surrounded by beautiful buildings, each of which is a cultural and historical treasure.
Linares Palace
Linares Palace was built at the end of the 19th century in the Neo-Baroque style. It is believed that this place was once a dreadful, ill-fated spot. During the War of Independence, a prison built by the French was located here, where prisoners were not only held but also tortured and executed. The Marquis of Linares acquired this plot of land in 1872. Construction of the building, designed by architect Carlos Colubi, began in 1877.
French architect Adolphe Ombrecht was invited to co-author the project. By involving other talented masters, they quickly built the residential and numerous service premises. The structure had the features of both a country villa and a city house. Stables and park pavilions were built here. The family started living in the house in 1884, but finishing work continued until 1900.
The basement of the four-story building housed storerooms and utility rooms, a kitchen, and servants’ quarters. Above, there were grand halls, living rooms, a library, a smoking room, a music salon, bedrooms, bathrooms—everything that must be in a wealthy home. The top floor housed a guest room, a winter garden, a dining room, and offices.
The interior was adorned with tapestries from the royal manufactory, Chinese silk and porcelain, and palace halls featured embroidery and paintings by some of the most famous artists of the time. After the Marquis’s death, Linares passed to Countess Villapadierna. During the Civil War, the house was badly damaged and prepared for demolition. Fortunately, this did not happen because in 1976 the building was declared a historical monument, and by 1992 it was fully restored. Now, the building houses the cultural center “Casa de America” to maintain ties with the peoples of Latin America, a museum, and an art gallery.
Buenavista Palace
Another luxurious building surrounded by French-style gardens. This is Buenavista Palace, the first building on the square, built in 1777 by Juan Pedro Arnal for Duchess Cayetana de Alba, a member of one of Spain’s most noble families and the muse of the great Francisco Goya. The brown-toned building is surrounded by an elegant metal fence. Today it houses the Supreme Command of the Armed Forces of Spain.
For Madrid’s residents, football is a national game; they love it and are almost all fans of the Real Madrid team. After a match, to celebrate victory or defeat, they would gather in the square, where they sang, danced, and bathed in the fountain. Once, they damaged the statue of the goddess—breaking off her hand. Since then, the police strictly guard the monument, prohibiting anyone from approaching it.
Location and How to Get There
Plaza de Cibeles is located in Madrid, Spain. It is situated between the boulevards Prado and De los Recoletos and the street Alcala. It is convenient to reach it by metro (line 2), the nearest station is Banco de España. By bus, using routes No. 1, 2, 14, 27, 146, 202, 522 to the stop Passeo del Prado and Plaza de Cibeles.
Cibeles Palace Exhibitions:
- Open from Tuesday to Sunday, hours are from 10:00 to 20:00, free entrance.
- The observation deck is open for visits from Tuesday to Sunday, entrance is 2 euros, visitors are admitted in groups every 30 minutes.
Madrid is beautiful at any time of the year and day. It is worth visiting to admire the majestic monuments, palaces, and cathedrals. Among them, Plaza de Cibeles is an architectural masterpiece and a main attraction, without seeing which, you miss a lot.
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