Cibeles Fountain (Madrid)
The Cibeles Fountain, popularly known as Cibeles, is located in the square of the same name and is one of the most famous monumental fountains in Madrid.
Its construction during the 18th century was part of an ambitious urban reorganization initiative promoted by Charles III, whose objective was to elevate Madrid among the finest European capitals. The idea was to adorn the city with the Neoclassicist aesthetics prevailing at that time.
The fountain represented the goddess Cybele as a symbol of the earth and victorious fertility on a chariot pulled by Hippomenes and Atalante (the two lions), with the idea of magnifying what she wanted to capture.
To carry out this ambitious project, designed entirely by Ventura Rodríguez, the artist Francisco Gutiérrez was commissioned to create the sculpture of Cybele and her chariot, while Roberto Michel was commissioned to sculpt the lions. Finally, Miguel Ximénez was commissioned to make the ornaments of the sculptural group.
The enormous beauty of the sculptures is evident in the quality of the work, as Cybele and her lions were sculpted in pale marble from Montesclaros in Toledo. The rest of the set was carved in stone from Redueña, near the Sierra de la Cabrera.
Due to its strategic location in a very central site and its immense symbolism, over time, the Cibeles Fountain has been linked to the triumph and collective success of the city, especially at a sporting level. It has become the favourite place for Real Madrid fans to celebrate their team's triumphs. Thus, the Cibeles Fountain has become one of the most recognized emblems of the city worldwide.
Its construction during the 18th century was part of an ambitious urban reorganization initiative promoted by Charles III, whose objective was to elevate Madrid among the finest European capitals. The idea was to adorn the city with the Neoclassicist aesthetics prevailing at that time.
The fountain represented the goddess Cybele as a symbol of the earth and victorious fertility on a chariot pulled by Hippomenes and Atalante (the two lions), with the idea of magnifying what she wanted to capture.
To carry out this ambitious project, designed entirely by Ventura Rodríguez, the artist Francisco Gutiérrez was commissioned to create the sculpture of Cybele and her chariot, while Roberto Michel was commissioned to sculpt the lions. Finally, Miguel Ximénez was commissioned to make the ornaments of the sculptural group.
The enormous beauty of the sculptures is evident in the quality of the work, as Cybele and her lions were sculpted in pale marble from Montesclaros in Toledo. The rest of the set was carved in stone from Redueña, near the Sierra de la Cabrera.
Due to its strategic location in a very central site and its immense symbolism, over time, the Cibeles Fountain has been linked to the triumph and collective success of the city, especially at a sporting level. It has become the favourite place for Real Madrid fans to celebrate their team's triumphs. Thus, the Cibeles Fountain has become one of the most recognized emblems of the city worldwide.
Location
Civil Buildings in Madrid
Religious Buildings in Madrid
Museums in Madrid
