CIBELES FOUNTAIN
Facing the Palace of Telecommunications (which houses the City Hall), this beautiful fountain is one of Madrid's emblems.
In the heart of the Plaza de Cibeles stands the statue of Cibeles, mythological daughter of Heaven and Earth, on a chariot pulled by two lions. It was made by Francisco Gutiérrez Arribas, at the request of King Carlos III, who is also considered the greatest mayor in Madrid's history. The two lions were carved by the Frenchman Roberto Michel. This square is simply one of the emblems of the Spanish capital, an image of Epinal of the city. And it had a very useful role in the 19th century, since the water it provided was intended for onlookers, for the water carriers who delivered water to houses in Madrid and for the horses who drank.
On this same square, you will not miss to see the Telecommunications Palace. Built at the beginning of the 19th century, it now houses the Town Hall. To its left (looking at the fountain), the Bank of Spain, a massive building which, according to legend, houses the country's gold reserves in its cellar. Opposite, you can see a garden surrounded by fences. This is the Buenavista Palace, built in 1777 at the request of the Dukes of Alba. Today, it is none other than the army's headquarters.
This fountain not only has a historical past, it is also the emblem of Real Madrid players' victories. Indeed, when the team wins a title or an important game, the players usually go to celebrate the victory on the square, hang the club scarf on Cibeles' head and sometimes even swim in the fountain.
Mais c'est un lieu qui vaut le détour la nuit, avec le Palais de Cibeles éclairé derrière.