Fountain of Cybele

Madrid,Fountain of CybeleSpain
Fountain of Cybele
Plaza Cibeles, S/N, 28014, Madrid, Spain
The Fountain of Cybele, also known as Fuente de Cibeles or La Cibeles, is an elegant neoclassical fountain located in Madrid, Spain. Situated at the heart of Plaza de Cibeles, this fountain features a captivating sculptural ensemble depicting Cybele, a revered deity associated with the earth and fertility in Phrygian mythology. Over the years, it has evolved into a symbolic representation of the city and has become one of its most renowned landmarks.

Description

In the center of the fountain stands the Roman goddess Cybele, the patroness of the earth, agriculture, and fertility, who is seated on a chariot drawn by two lions, representing the mythological characters Hippomenes and Atalanta. The figures of the goddess and the lions are carved from marble, while the other elements are made of stone. The sculpture of Cybele was created by Francisco Gutierrez. The French sculptor Roberto Michel made the statues of the lions.

Originally, the fountain was not only a decoration of the square but also had a practical significance: until 1862, Madrilenians collected drinking water here from two equipped sources. From one, official water carriers collected water to distribute among the nearby houses, and from the other, anyone was allowed to collect water. The water flowed into a basin where horses were watered.

This goddess is also dear to the hearts of fans of Madrid's Real Madrid, because at the square at her feet, celebrations for all the cups won by this team, as well as victories of the Spanish national football team, take place.