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Plaza Cibeles
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Of all the grand roundabouts in the city, it is Plaza de la Cibeles that most evokes the regal splendor of once imperial Madrid. Sitting at the intersections of Calle de Alcalá, Paseo de Recoletos and the stunning Paseo del Prado, the location of Cibeles could not be more ideal. From the magnificent and iconic fountain in the center to the superb palaces surrounding the square, Plaza Cibeles epitomizes a moment of pure romantic magic in a bustling city.
The monumental Neo-Classical marble Cibeles Fountain is a much beloved Madrid icon. The fountain was built during the reign of Charles III and designed by Ventura Rodriguez between 1777 and 1782. It depicts Cybele, the Greek goddess of fertility and nature and was sculpted by Francisco Gutiérrez. She holds a scepter and a key while riding in a chariot pulled by two lions. The wild lions, sculpted by Roberto Michel, symbolize the power of nature and the goddess.
Up until the late 19th century the Cibeles Fountain stood outside the Prado Museum facing the Fountain of Neptune. Legend claims the original and far less ornate fountain goes back to when Madrid was still a Moorish settlement. In those days it provided water for the local population.
Where Plaza de Cibeles sits today was once a sizeable wooded area that, during the Renaissance, separated the urban section of Madrid from different monastic and palace complexes. It consisted of three main sections, known as the Prado de los Recoletos Agustinos (now Paseo de Recoletos), Prado de los Jerónimos (corresponding to Paseo del Prado) and the Prado de Atocha.
The four palaces that form each side of Plaza Cibeles are located in four different neighborhoods from three different adjacent districts: Centro, Retiro and Salamanca.
The crowning glory is the beautiful Cibeles Palace, still referred to by Madrileños as the Palacio de Comunicaciones, which was designed and built by Antonio Palacios between 1909 and 1917. From its inauguration until 2007 the building was the main Post Office and Telegraph Office, hence “Comunicaciones” or Communications in the name. Since 2007 the cathedral-like building has housed Madrid’s City Hall (Ayuntamiento). Inside the palace and well worth a visit are the cultural space Centro-Centro and an elevator ride to the viewing platform which offers an outstanding panoramic view of Madrid. The Observation Deck is open Tuesday through Sunday: 10:30am - 1:30 pm (13.30) and 4pm (16.00) - 7pm (19.00). Admission is 2€.
Across Paseo de Prado from City Hall is the venerable Banco de España or Bank of Spain. Bordering Cibeles Square, the oldest part of the enormous building was constructed between 1882 and 1891. Over the ensuing one hundred plus years the building has seen three additions; the first, between 1930 and 1934; the second between 1969 and 1975, and the most recent in 2006. Four architects in total with the latter three respecting the integrity and design of the original building. Almost 100 feet (30 meters) below ground is where Spain’s gold reserve is stored.
Opposite Banco de España is the Palacio de Linares. The Neo-Baroque palace was built in 1873 by the banker, José de Murga. The main façade is spectacular with three entrance doors crowned by balconies; one fronting Plaza de Cibeles Square, another Recoletos and the third, Alcalá Street. The interior features a wealth of decoration by prestigious artists such as Jerónimo Suñol, creator of the stunning marble banister on the staircase in the hall. Other important areas of the building include the ballrooms, the Hall of Mirrors, the chapel, Dolls’ House and the garden. Today Palacio de Linares houses the Casa de América, a cultural center and art gallery focused mostly on Latin American arts. Most appropriate as the building is said to be haunted by the spirits of its first owner who made his fortune in the new world.
Palacio de Linares is open for visits Sept. 1 through July 31: Saturdays and Sundays 11am, 12noon, 1pm (13:00). Admission: General: €8; Reduced: €5; Children are free.
The fourth building, Palacio de Buenavista, was once the home of the Duchess of Alba and designed by Pedro de Arnal. It is an oasis of greenery complete with a French garden created by Ventura Rodríguez. Constructed in 1777, upon the death of the Duchess of Alba, the Palacio de Buenavista was willed to the state which, in 1939, ceded to the Spanish Army to host its headquarters.
The monumental Neo-Classical marble Cibeles Fountain is a much beloved Madrid icon. The fountain was built during the reign of Charles III and designed by Ventura Rodriguez between 1777 and 1782. It depicts Cybele, the Greek goddess of fertility and nature and was sculpted by Francisco Gutiérrez. She holds a scepter and a key while riding in a chariot pulled by two lions. The wild lions, sculpted by Roberto Michel, symbolize the power of nature and the goddess.
Up until the late 19th century the Cibeles Fountain stood outside the Prado Museum facing the Fountain of Neptune. Legend claims the original and far less ornate fountain goes back to when Madrid was still a Moorish settlement. In those days it provided water for the local population.
Where Plaza de Cibeles sits today was once a sizeable wooded area that, during the Renaissance, separated the urban section of Madrid from different monastic and palace complexes. It consisted of three main sections, known as the Prado de los Recoletos Agustinos (now Paseo de Recoletos), Prado de los Jerónimos (corresponding to Paseo del Prado) and the Prado de Atocha.
The four palaces that form each side of Plaza Cibeles are located in four different neighborhoods from three different adjacent districts: Centro, Retiro and Salamanca.
The crowning glory is the beautiful Cibeles Palace, still referred to by Madrileños as the Palacio de Comunicaciones, which was designed and built by Antonio Palacios between 1909 and 1917. From its inauguration until 2007 the building was the main Post Office and Telegraph Office, hence “Comunicaciones” or Communications in the name. Since 2007 the cathedral-like building has housed Madrid’s City Hall (Ayuntamiento). Inside the palace and well worth a visit are the cultural space Centro-Centro and an elevator ride to the viewing platform which offers an outstanding panoramic view of Madrid. The Observation Deck is open Tuesday through Sunday: 10:30am - 1:30 pm (13.30) and 4pm (16.00) - 7pm (19.00). Admission is 2€.
Across Paseo de Prado from City Hall is the venerable Banco de España or Bank of Spain. Bordering Cibeles Square, the oldest part of the enormous building was constructed between 1882 and 1891. Over the ensuing one hundred plus years the building has seen three additions; the first, between 1930 and 1934; the second between 1969 and 1975, and the most recent in 2006. Four architects in total with the latter three respecting the integrity and design of the original building. Almost 100 feet (30 meters) below ground is where Spain’s gold reserve is stored.
Opposite Banco de España is the Palacio de Linares. The Neo-Baroque palace was built in 1873 by the banker, José de Murga. The main façade is spectacular with three entrance doors crowned by balconies; one fronting Plaza de Cibeles Square, another Recoletos and the third, Alcalá Street. The interior features a wealth of decoration by prestigious artists such as Jerónimo Suñol, creator of the stunning marble banister on the staircase in the hall. Other important areas of the building include the ballrooms, the Hall of Mirrors, the chapel, Dolls’ House and the garden. Today Palacio de Linares houses the Casa de América, a cultural center and art gallery focused mostly on Latin American arts. Most appropriate as the building is said to be haunted by the spirits of its first owner who made his fortune in the new world.
Palacio de Linares is open for visits Sept. 1 through July 31: Saturdays and Sundays 11am, 12noon, 1pm (13:00). Admission: General: €8; Reduced: €5; Children are free.
The fourth building, Palacio de Buenavista, was once the home of the Duchess of Alba and designed by Pedro de Arnal. It is an oasis of greenery complete with a French garden created by Ventura Rodríguez. Constructed in 1777, upon the death of the Duchess of Alba, the Palacio de Buenavista was willed to the state which, in 1939, ceded to the Spanish Army to host its headquarters.
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