Cibeles Square, Madrid

Favorite thing: Plaza de Cibeles:The Fuente de Cibeles stand in the middle of the busy traffic island at the junction of the Paseo del Prado and the Calle de Alcala. This fine sculpted fountain is named after Cibele, the Greco-Roman goddess of nature, and shows her sitting in her chariot, drawn by a pair of lions. Designed in the late 18th century by Jose Hermosilla and Ventura Roodriguez, it is considered a symbol of Madrid.

Favorite thing: And then I saw the Cibeles Sq. at day time...

oh my! Madrid, I envy your squares!...the elegance and openness, that is what strikes at first sight.... I don't know when I like it more - so whitely bright during the day, or misterious with game of colors and shadows at night...

Favorite thing: We came to Cibeles Square, it was late, a few tourists and Madridians randomly stralling around.... I was really fascinated by the sight of lighted square and fountain, a combination of monumentalism and lightness, blowing wind was splashing water sheets into little sparkling diamonds....

Late at night we returned back to my hotel, Cruz district.... I dreamt about calm night in vain, the night pulse of the city was right at the hotel door.... oh, well, Madrid, you never sleep indeed!

Favorite thing: The buildings in Spain are extraordinary, just take a look at this picture... this is the Post Office! so fancy!
The Cibeles is an 18th century fountain in honor of Cibeles the Greek goddess of fertility, we see her riding in a chariot drawn by lions. The children playing in the waters behind the chariot were added later.
The fountain was originally placed closer to "Cuartel General del Ejército" (building across from the "Banco de España" on the other corner of the "Calle de Alcalá") and looking south instead of west but it was changed to its current position at the beginning of 20th century. Cibeles fountain is one of the main symbols of Madrid (visible as an emblem in many places) and a favorite of all city. During the siege of Madrid in the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) the fountain was protected by a wall of sandbags so no harm would come ot the goddess and her chariot. In today's modern Madrid metropolis, it is a gathering place for Real Madrid soccer club fans after they win important games. While climbing on the statue is not allowed and police presence is huge during such reunions, there are always those who try to take the plunge!

Favorite thing: A real symbol of Madrid, this fountain represents goddess Cibeles in a chariot with 2 lions. In the same square you can see (clockwise from Post Office building):
- Central Post Office. The main building, with those big towers.
- Bank of Spain.
- Ministry of Defence
- Casa de America (House of America, Cultural centre).
In this fountain is where Real Madrid supporters gather to celebrate when their team wins a championship (often, by the way!)
If you see foreign flags around the fountain, it means that a foreign president or king is visiting Madrid at that time (rock stars don't count for this, LOL)

Favorite thing: This immense building across fromPlaza Cibeles is called the Communications Building and is home to Madrid's main postal office.

Favorite thing: At night, the fountains, monument , and building around the rotary is illuminated at night for a fantastic photo op.