Located in the Retiro-Paseo del Arte neighbourhood, the Plaza de Cibeles is one of the 10 most visited places in Madrid, an important, symbolic and a starting point for numerous routes through the city.
In the 16th century it was the meeting point for two promenades, which on good weather days served as recreational spaces, as a result, we know these points today as the Paseo de Recoletos and the Paseo del Prado.
Components of Plaza de Cibeles
Cibeles Fountain
Located in the center of the Square, it shows the goddess Cibeles on a chariot pulled by lions. It was designed by the architect Ventura Rodriguez in 1782. In its beginnings, the fountain served to supply water to the people of Madrid and in 1895 it was moved to the center of the square, becoming a decorative element.
Since 1962 it was the place where the fans of Club Atlético de Madrid celebrated the titles obtained by their team, but in the 80’s the Atléticos moved their celebrations to the Neptune Fountain. Nowadays, it is an icon for the followers of the Real Madrid Club de Fútbol, since it it where the titles of the Madrid team are celebrated, as well as the successes of the Spanish soccer team. The Plaza is surrounded by beautiful buildings: Palacio de Cibeles, Palacio de Linares, Palacio de Buenavista, and Banco de España.
Cibeles Palace
The Cibeles Palace was inaugurated in 1919 and functioned as the central post office and telegraph office until it was recently renovated to house the Madrid City Council and the Centro cultural center. What stands out most about the palace is its monumental main façade. You can visit it and go up to the terrace to contemplate the views of the city from its viewpoint.
Linares Palace
Built under the orders of the Marquis of Linares, the Linares Palace was inaugurated in 1900 after 23 years of work. Its exterior is characteristic of the nineteenth century palaces. It is currently the headquarters of the “Casa de América “, which promotes cultural relations between Spain and Latin America, where commercial or institutional events are held.
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Linares Palace
Bank of Spain
Inaugurated in 1891, the bank of Spain has an imposing façade with a superb appearance. Inside it houses a collection of paintings including works by Goya, Madrazo, Zuloaga, Mengs and Sorolla Its foundations reach the ground floor of the Cibeles Fountain, which water was a security element used to protect the gold kept in the security cameras.
Bank of Spain
Buenavista Palace
It is located on the Gran Vía road and in front of the Bank of Spain and was built in 1777 by the twelfth Duke of Alba. It is the oldest building of the 4 that surround the square, and it is the least visible because it is behind a wooded area. After being the home of the Dukes of Alba, it was ceded to the Ministry of War, becoming the headquarters of the General Headquarters of the Army.
What to see near Plaza de Cibeles
Near the Plaza, you have the Art Triangle, formed by three of the best museums in the world: Prado Museum, Thyssen Museum and Reina Sofia Museum. You also have the Retiro Park with its Crystal Palace or the San Jerónimo Parish. From there you can follow the plan to visit Madrid in 1 day or these tips for your first visit to Madrid.
Our accommodations in Madrid
In this area we have apartments by months in the Centro area, apartments by months in the Retiro area and at a quieter and less touristic area you can consider the apartments by months in the Salamanca district.
For a short stay we have apartments by days next to Calle Serrano and Paseo de la Castellana, in the Escultor Building and accommodation by category: list of apartments for companies or our list of apartments for students .
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If you are a Madrid passionate considering to invest in Madrid visit our Golden Visa page to obtain a permanent residence in Spain.
