Plaza de Cibeles Square

Address: Plaza de Cibeles (Plaza de la Cibeles), 28014 Madrid, Spain

Hours: Open 24 hours

Admission: Free

Plaza de Cibeles is a major urban square in central Madrid anchored by the sculptural Fuente de Cibeles and the monumental Palacio de Cibeles. The square is a principal traffic and ceremonial node where several major avenues converge.

At the square’s center the large fountain depicts the goddess Cybele on a chariot pulled by lions and is set on a raised basin that draws constant attention and photography. The adjacent Palacio de Cibeles, an early 20th-century palatial building now used as Madrid’s city hall and cultural centre, contains public exhibition spaces and a rooftop viewpoint that overlooks the square.

The fountain dates to the late 18th century and has long been an emblematic monument in Madrid. The Palacio de Comunicaciones that frames the square was constructed in the early 20th century by architects such as Antonio Palacios and Joaqu9n Otamendi and was converted into the city hall and cultural centre in the 21st century.

Set at the junction of Paseo del Prado, Calle de Alcal and Paseo de Recoletos, the square is on the eastern edge of Madrid’s historic centre and a short walk from Parque del Retiro and the Prado Museum.

• Viewing terrace: The building’s public viewing terrace offers panoramic outlooks over the Paseo del Prado and towards central Madrid.
• Celebration site: The fountain is a traditional gathering place for large public celebrations, notably for major football victories.

What to See#

• Fuente de Cibeles: Bronze-and-stone sculptural fountain showing the Phrygian goddess Cybele seated in a chariot drawn by lions; the fountain is the square’s focal point and sits at the junction of several major avenues.
• Palacio de Cibeles: Large early 20th-century municipal building originally known as the Palacio de Comunicaciones, now housing Madrid’s city hall and the cultural centre centroCentro, with a public viewing terrace above the main façade.

Plaza de Cibeles is in central Madrid at the junction of Paseo del Prado and Calle de Alcalá. The closest metro is Banco de España on Line 2, a 2-5 minute walk to the square; it’s also a short walk from Sevilla (Line 2) or from Atocha railway station (about 1 km / 10-15 minutes on foot). Many city buses serve the Paseo del Prado/Alcalá corridor and taxis are easy to hail in the centre.

• Visit around golden hour or early evening when the fountain is lit and the façade of the Palacio de Cibeles offers a dramatic backdrop for photos.
• Use the nearby Banco de España or Banco de Recoletos metro stops for straightforward access and then head up to the Palacio de Cibeles rooftop (CentroCentro) for a panoramic view most passersby overlook.
• Avoid major match days and celebrations (real Madrid wins) if you prefer not to be in the thick of crowds that gather here to celebrate; check local event calendars before you go.