Discover one of the capital’s most iconic landmarks by getting off at the Plaza de Cibeles stop on our sightseeing bus. Located in the heart of Madrid, this monumental square is surrounded by some of the city’s most representative buildings and marks the beginning of the famous Art Walk.
Plaza de Cibeles in Madrid, sometimes popularly referred to as Plaza de la Cibeles, is easily recognisable thanks to the fountain at its centre. Surrounding it are the Cibeles Palace, the Bank of Spain, Linares Palace and Buenavista Palace, which together form one of the capital’s most impressive architectural ensembles.
What is Plaza de Cibeles?
Plaza de Cibeles is one of Madrid’s best-known and most photographed urban spaces. It is centred around the Cibeles Fountain, a neoclassical sculptural ensemble depicting the Roman goddess Cybele riding in a chariot pulled by two lions.
As well as being an important junction between some of the main roads in the city centre, the square is one of Madrid’s great symbols. It is also known as the place where Real Madrid supporters gather to celebrate the team’s most important victories and trophies.
Where is Plaza de Cibeles?
Plaza de Cibeles is located in central Madrid, at the intersection of Calle de Alcalá, Paseo del Prado and Paseo de Recoletos. Its location connects some of the city’s main tourist areas, including Gran Vía, Puerta de Alcalá, El Retiro Park and the Art Walk.
How can you get to Plaza de Cibeles?
Hop on our Madrid City Tour sightseeing bus on Route 1: Historic Madrid and enjoy a panoramic tour of the city until you reach the Plaza de Cibeles stop, located at Paseo del Prado, 1. We cannot think of a more comfortable and entertaining way to travel around the city.
You can also take Metro line 2 to Banco de España station, located just a few metres from the square. Alternatively, you can use Recoletos Cercanías railway station or one of the many urban bus routes that pass through this part of the city.
What can you do in Plaza de Cibeles?
The area surrounding Plaza de Cibeles brings together architecture, culture, history and some of the finest views in central Madrid. These are some of the activities you can enjoy during your visit:
- Photograph the Cibeles Fountain and the buildings surrounding the square.
- Enter the Cibeles Palace and visit the CentroCentro cultural space.
- Go up to the Cibeles Palace observation deck to admire central Madrid from above.
- Visit the exhibitions and cultural activities held at Casa de América.
- Walk along Paseo del Prado and explore the museums of the Art Walk.
- Visit Puerta de Alcalá and El Retiro Park.
- Walk along Paseo de Recoletos towards Plaza de Colón.
What can you see in Plaza de Cibeles?
Plaza de Cibeles is surrounded by some of Madrid’s most important cultural venues, monuments and green spaces. From this stop, you can admire its famous fountain, visit several museums, enjoy outstanding views of the city or walk to one of the capital’s best-known parks.
- El Retiro Park: Just a few minutes from Plaza de Cibeles is El Retiro Park, one of Madrid’s main green spaces. Inside, you can walk beside the Great Pond, visit the Crystal Palace, explore its historic gardens or relax among fountains, sculptures and tree-lined avenues. It is an essential visit for anyone wishing to combine nature, heritage and tranquillity in the heart of the city.
- Círculo de Bellas Artes: The Círculo de Bellas Artes is one of Madrid’s leading cultural centres and is located very close to Plaza de Cibeles, on Calle de Alcalá. In addition to hosting exhibitions, conferences, film screenings and artistic activities, the building has a popular rooftop terrace offering some of the finest panoramic views of central Madrid.
- Thyssen Museum: The Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza forms part of Madrid’s Art Walk and houses an extensive collection tracing the history of European painting from the 13th to the 20th century. Its galleries contain works by artists such as Dürer, Caravaggio, Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso and Hopper, making the museum an ideal stop for completing a cultural visit to the area surrounding Cibeles.
- Cibeles Fountain: The Cibeles Fountain is the square’s most iconic monument and one of the great symbols of Madrid. The ensemble depicts the goddess Cybele, associated with the earth and nature, seated in a chariot pulled by two lions. In addition to its historical and artistic value, the fountain is known as the place where Real Madrid supporters and players celebrate the club’s major trophies.
What is the history of Plaza de Cibeles?
The history of Plaza de Cibeles is connected to the transformation of the Salón del Prado promoted during the reign of Charles III in the 18th century. The aim was to create a grand, tree-lined monumental avenue devoted to science and culture, decorated with fountains such as those of Cibeles, Neptune and Apollo.
The Cibeles Fountain was designed by Ventura Rodríguez in 1777 and built in 1782. Originally, it was not merely decorative, as it also supplied water to Madrid’s residents, water carriers and horses.
The fountain was initially located opposite Buenavista Palace and faced towards the Neptune Fountain. In 1895, it was moved to the centre of the square and placed in its current position, facing the first section of Calle de Alcalá.
Over time, the grand buildings surrounding the monument were constructed, transforming the square into one of Madrid’s most recognisable urban ensembles.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Plaza de Cibeles famous?
Plaza de Cibeles is famous for its monumental fountain, considered one of Madrid’s main symbols, and for the historic buildings surrounding it. It is also internationally known as the place where Real Madrid players and supporters celebrate the club’s major trophies.
What does Plaza de Cibeles represent?
The central feature of the square depicts Cybele, the goddess of the earth, nature and fertility. She is shown seated in a chariot pulled by the lions Hippomenes and Atalanta. Her tower-shaped crown and the keys she holds symbolise her power and her role as protector of the city.
Which metro line takes you to Plaza de Cibeles?
Madrid Metro line 2 takes you to Banco de España station, the closest station to Plaza de Cibeles. From the exit on Calle de Alcalá, the fountain is only a few minutes away on foot.
