Madrid is a fascinating city and there are many things to see. Here is a list of some of Madrid's most popular sights.
The Plaza de Cibeles is perhaps one of the most beautiful squares in the city of Madrid, a symbol par excellence even though it is in an area with heavy traffic and large buildings around.
It is located between the intersection of Alcala Street (which crosses from west to east) with the Paseo de Recoletos (north) and the Paseo del Prado (south).
Inside the Plaza de Cibeles there is a beautiful and famous fountain: The Cibeles Fountain dedicated to the Greek goddess Cybele, wife of Cronus and mother of Attis. At the beginning, the square was formerly known as plaza Madrid or plaza Castelar. But it end up with the same name of its fountain.
The Cibeles fountain was designed by the architect Ventura Rodríguez and the implementation corresponded to the sculptors Francisco Gutierrez Arribas who was responsible for the figure of the goddess and truck, and Robert Michel, author of lions. Since its opening in 1782 to 1895 was located in the center of the square and supplied water to the citizens. After being relocated only became part of the decor.
Currently the Cibeles Fountain is recognized in the entire world thanks to the Madrid football team Real Madrid that adopted as center of celebration every time they win the cup. All fans gather around the fountain to celebrate.
In each of the corners of the square you will find important buildings, built between the late eighteenth and early twentieth century’s. In one of the first corners, exactly in the southwest is the Bank of Spain. Right in front of the Buenavista Palace see current headquarters of the Army Headquarters.
Among the Paseo de Recoletos and Alcalá Street is the Linares Palace, known in his early years as the Palacio de Murga. Urban Legends say this palace contains the ghosts of the first Marquis of Linares and her little daughter.
Last but not least, you will find the most remarkable of all the buildings, the Palace of Communications, house until 2007 the general postal services, telegraph and telephone. Today is headquarters of the Mayor of Madrid.
Images Credit:
Plaza Cibeles Madrid Flickr Gallery Jason Paris
Puente de Cibeles FLickr Gallery Jl. Cernadas
Plaza Cibeles Noche Flickr Gallery Edmenendez
