Plaza de la Cibeles

Plaza de la Cibeles evokes the splendour of imperial Madrid. The jewel in the crown is the astonishing Palacio de Comunicaciones. Completed in 1917 by Antonio Palacios, Madrid’s most prolific architect of the belle époque, it combines elements of the North American monumental style of the period with Gothic and Renaissance touches. It serves as Madrid’s town hall (ayuntamiento), with the central post office occupying the southwestern corner.

The spectacular fountain of the goddess Cybele at the centre of the plaza is also one of Madrid’s most beautiful. Ever since it was erected in 1780 by Ventura Rodríguez, it has been a Madrid favourite. The Cibeles fountain has also long been the venue for joyous and often destructive celebrations by players and supporters of Real Madrid whenever the side wins anything of note.