Description of the attraction
Another famous and beloved square of Madrid by city dwellers is Plaza de Cibeles. It is located at the intersection of Alcala, Paseo de Ricoletos and Paseo del Prado streets.
This square owes its popularity primarily to the beautiful fountain installed in its center, perhaps one of the most famous fountains in Madrid, which is the symbol of the city. In the center of the fountain is a statue depicting the fertility goddess Cibeles, sitting in a chariot drawn by two lions. The fountain, designed by Ventura Rodriguez, Francisco Guttieres and Roberto Michel, was erected during the reign of King Charles III, between 1777 and 1782. The fountain was originally installed next to the Buenavista Palace, and it was only at the end of the 19th century that it was moved to its current location.
Plaza de Cibeles is surrounded by four large famous buildings: the Palace of Communications, the Bank of Spain, the Palazzo Linares and the Buenavista Palace. The beautiful building of the Palace of Communications, or the main building of the city post office, was built in 1909 according to the design of Antonio Palacias. Until 2007, this impressive building was occupied by the Postal Service and the Postal Museum, after which it became the seat of the Madrid City Hall.
The majestic building of the Bank of Spain, also located in Cibeles Square, is striking in its size. The oldest part of the building was erected between 1882 and 1891. During the 20th century, the building was completed twice: between 1930 and 1934 and between 1969 and 1975. Right under the Cibeles Fountain, at a depth of 37 meters, there are armored chambers in which the bank stores Spain's gold reserves.
Opposite the Bank of Spain is the Palacio de Linares, built in 1873 in the Baroque style by the wealthy banker Jose de Murga. Today it houses the Museum of Latin American Art.
The Buenavista Palace was built by the Duchess of Alba in 1777. Today it is the headquarters of the Spanish army.
