🏛️ At The Sun Places, we know that luxury is also found in monuments that are symbols of a city.
That's why we invite you to discover Cibeles Square, one of the most emblematic and photographed urban spaces in Madrid.
Presided over by the famous fountain of the goddess Cibeles, this monumental junction is the meeting point for the great sporting celebrations of Real Madrid CF and a symbol of the capital's identity.
Surrounded by neoclassical buildings and the imposing Cibeles Palace, Cibeles Square is a must-see for any visitor who wants to soak up the grandeur of Madrid.
The Sun Places invites you to discover it, staying at our Luxury Apartments in Madrid.
With its elegant fountain and imposing buildings, Cibeles Square is an example of the monumental urban planning of the 18th century.
Below, we tell you everything you can't miss in this emblematic space.
📜 History of Cibeles Square
The history of Cibeles Square is linked to the urban development of Madrid in the 18th century.
King Charles III undertook the reform of the area, known as the "Salón del Prado", with the aim of giving the city a tree-lined and monumental promenade similar to the great European capitals.
The Cibeles Fountain was designed by architect Ventura Rodríguez in 1777 and sculpted by Francisco Gutiérrez and Roberto Michel. It represents the goddess Cibeles, symbol of the earth, agriculture and fertility, riding on a chariot pulled by two lions.
For centuries, the fountain was located on Paseo de Recoletos, opposite Calle de Alcalá, but it was moved to its current location in 1895.
Since then, Cibeles Square has become the centre of the capital's social and political life. In 2007, the Palace of Communications (now Cibeles Palace) was renovated and became the seat of Madrid City Council.
The square has witnessed countless demonstrations, celebrations and historical events, such as the proclamation of the Second Republic in 1931.
🏛️ The Cibeles Fountain: The symbol of Madrid
The Cibeles Fountain is the most emblematic monument in Madrid and one of the best-known in the world.
It represents the goddess Cibeles, protector of the city, seated on a chariot pulled by two lions (representing Hippomenes and Atalanta).
The fountain was designed in 1777 by Ventura Rodríguez and inaugurated in 1782. Originally, it was located on Paseo de Recoletos, but in 1895 it was moved to its current location. Since then, the Cibeles Fountain has been the meeting point for Madrid's most important celebrations, especially sporting victories.
The players of Real Madrid CF have the tradition of visiting the fountain and placing the club's flag on the goddess Cibeles every time they win a title.
The fountain is also the place where fans gather to celebrate their team's triumphs. The Cibeles Fountain is protected by a fence and is one of the most photographed monuments in the city.
🏛️ Cibeles Palace: The City Council's operations centre
Cibeles Palace is one of the most imposing and beautiful buildings in Madrid. It was built between 1907 and 1919 by architects Antonio Palacios and Joaquín Otamendi to house the headquarters of the Palace of Communications (Post Office).
Its style is a mixture of Neo-Plateresque, Modernism and other historicist influences. After decades of neglect, it was renovated between 2007 and 2011 to become the seat of Madrid City Council.
The building has a cultural centre, an exhibition gallery, a temporary exhibition hall, a restaurant, a café and a viewpoint on the top floor (the tower), from which you get spectacular views of the city.
Access to the viewpoint is free for European Union citizens (by appointment) and paid for other visitors.
Cibeles Palace is a must-see for lovers of architecture and panoramic views.
🏛️ The Bank of Spain and other emblematic buildings
Cibeles Square is surrounded by neoclassical buildings that are worth admiring:
- Bank of Spain: Occupies the block between Calle de Alcalá and Paseo de Recoletos. It was built between 1884 and 1891 by architects Eduardo Adaro and Severiano Sainz de la Lastra. Its main facade is presided over by a large portico of Corinthian columns.
- Linares Palace: Located at Cibeles Square, 2, it was built in 1873 by architect Carlos Colubí. It is a historicist-style building that today houses the Casa de América, a centre for promoting cultural relations between Spain and the American continent.
- Metropolis Building: On the corner of Calle de Alcalá and Calle de la Salud, it is one of the most photographed buildings in Madrid. Its bronze-scaled dome is an icon of the city.
- Buenavista Palace: Located on Calle de Alcalá, opposite the Bank of Spain, it houses the Army Headquarters. Its neoclassical façade is very imposing.
🎭 Real Madrid title celebrations at Cibeles
Cibeles Square is the place where Real Madrid CF fans celebrate every title.
Since the tradition began in 1986, when the team won the League, the players visit the fountain and place the club's flag (with the white colours and the crest) at the feet of the goddess Cibeles.
The fans gather in the square and surrounding streets to celebrate with flares, chants and fireworks.
The largest celebrations have occurred after Champions League victories, especially in 2018 (the thirteenth) and 2024 (the fifteenth). Cibeles Square then becomes a sea of white and a festive and joyful atmosphere fills the air.
For The Sun Places guests, if your visit coincides with a celebration, we recommend you come with caution and, above all, enjoy the experience.
🎭 What Cibeles Square represents for Madrid and The Sun Places
Cibeles Square is the most universal symbol of Madrid. It represents the monumental grandeur of the city, its open and festive character, and its ability to unite the people of Madrid around a common icon.
It is the setting for major celebrations, civic demonstrations and cultural events in the capital.
For the city, Cibeles Square is an invaluable heritage that attracts millions of visitors every year.
For The Sun Places, discovering Cibeles Square is a natural extension of our philosophy of offering authentic luxury experiences.
That is why our Luxury Apartments in Madrid are located in the most central areas, just a few steps from the square.
Moreover, Cibeles Square is connected to other great attractions of the capital that we have explored in other articles: Retiro Park, Plaza Mayor, the Prado National Museum, the Barrio de las Letras and the Madrid of the Austrias.
All of this makes Madrid a unique destination in the world, and Cibeles Square is one of its brightest jewels.
✨ The perfect plan with The Sun Places to discover Cibeles Square
Friday: Arrival and first contact
- In the afternoon, a stroll through Cibeles Square to admire the fountain and the emblematic buildings
Saturday: Culture and monuments day
- In the morning, visit Cibeles Palace and go up to the viewpoint to enjoy the views of Madrid
- Afterwards, tour Retiro Park and the Prado National Museum
- In the afternoon, walk through the Plaza Mayor and the Madrid of the Austrias. In the evening, attend a performance at Madrid's Theatres
Sunday: Relax and farewell
- Enjoy a walk through El Rastro de Madrid and have a vermouth in one of the century-old taverns of Cava Baja
- Before you leave, visit the Royal Palace or Retiro Park
Monday: (If you still have time)
- Let's go shopping in Madrid
Ready to discover Cibeles Square with The Sun Places?
📞 Contact us and let us organise your perfect getaway.
But if you prefer other destinations, The Sun Places also has prepared for you: Luxury Apartments in Barcelona, Luxury Accommodation on the Costa Brava, Luxury Apartments in Seville, Luxury Apartments in Cádiz, Luxury Apartments in Puerto Banús, Luxury Accommodation in Sanlúcar de Barrameda and Luxury Apartments in Córdoba.