Plaza de Cibeles

This is one of the main landmarks in Madrid, and the fountain in the Middle, named after Cybele (or Ceres), Roman goddess of fertility, is seen as one of Madrid's most important symbols.

Real Madrid fans and more generally Spanyards gather around the fountain after important football victories. If you have the chance to be there the night of grand victory, you definitly need to go there.

You will find 4 Palaces around the square:

1- Madrid City Hall: The most prominent of the buildings at the Plaza de Cibeles is the Cibeles Palace (formerly named Communications Palace). The cathedral-like landmark was built in 1909 by Antonio Palacios as the headquarters of the postal service. This impressive building was home to the Postal and Telegraphic Museum until 2007 when the landmark building became the Madrid City Hall (Ayuntamiento de Madrid).

2- Banco de Espana: Across the Paseo de Prado from city hall is the Bank of Spain. The oldest part of the enormous building, was built between 1882 and 1891. Since than, several parts were added by respecting the initial architecture.

3- Linares Palace: The baroque palace was built in 1873 by a rich banker, José de Murga. A century later, the building had fallen into disrepair but in 1992 it was completely renovated. It currently houses the Casa de América, a cultural center and art gallery focused mostly on Latin American arts.

4- Buenavista Palace: Built in 1777 by the Duchess of Alba with designs of Pedro de Arnal, the Palace is surrounded by a French style garden by Ventura Rodríguez. It hosts today the Spanish Army Headquarters.Less