Cibeles Fountain

The Cibeles Fountain was commissioned by King Charles III in 1777 as part of a massive urban redevelopment project known as the Salon del Prado. Designed by the renowned architect Ventura Rodriguez and sculpted by Francisco Gutierrez and Roberto Michel, the fountain was intended to beautify the city while providing water to the public. Completed in 1782, it originally stood next to the Buenavista Palace and faced the Neptune Fountain, serving as a functional water source for water carriers and citizens alike. In 1895, the fountain was moved to its current iconic position in the center of the square. This relocation transformed it from a mere utility into a monumental centerpiece of Madrid's urban landscape. Over the years, it has witnessed the city's transformation from a royal court into a modern European capital, surviving political upheavals and urban expansions. Today, the fountain is an inseparable symbol of Madrid. It depicts the Phrygian goddess Cybele, representing fertility and the earth, riding a chariot pulled by two lions. These lions represent the mythological figures Atalanta and Hippomenes, who were turned into beasts by Aphrodite. Beyond its mythological roots, the fountain has gained modern fame as the official site where Real Madrid football club and its fans celebrate their major trophy wins, draped in the team's colors during moments of sporting glory.