Plaza de Cibeles & Fountain
Madrid's grandest roundabout — the goddess Cybele's marble fountain ringed by palatial buildings.
The call
Worth it if you are watching the budget and you only have one day.
Why
- 01
A 1782 marble fountain — Cybele riding her lion-drawn chariot — marooned on a roundabout and best admired from the edges, floodlit at night against the wedding-cake Palacio de Cibeles.
Our read - 02
Its real charge is football: this is where Real Madrid fans (and the players) climb the goddess to celebrate every major trophy, scarves knotted round her neck.
Our read
Is it a fit?
Go if
This is your first trip to Madrid
A grand photo stop you'll pass anyway; allow a few minutes, no more.
You are watching the budget
On a budget, Plaza de Cibeles & Fountain still earns its price.
You only have one day
Even on a tight schedule, Plaza de Cibeles & Fountain earns the hours.
You are traveling with kids
With kids, Plaza de Cibeles & Fountain works.
Plan it well
- Cost
- Free
- Timing
- Evening when the surrounding palaces are floodlit.
- Allow
- 10–20 minutes
- Accessibility
- Viewed from the surrounding pavements; central island has limited access.
- Getting there
- Metro Banco de España.