If you’ve ever been to Madrid, Spain or even seen pictures of the city, you’re likely familiar with the iconic Cibeles statue. This stunning piece of art has become a symbol of the city and a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.
But what is the Cibeles statue in Madrid and why is it so important? Let’s take a closer look.
The History of Cibeles
The Cibeles statue depicts the Greek goddess Cybele, who was worshipped as a mother goddess in ancient times. The statue itself was created by Spanish sculptor Francisco Gutiérrez and was completed in 1782. Originally, the statue was located in front of the Buenavista Palace, which served as the headquarters for Spain’s postal service at the time.
The Move to Plaza de Cibeles
In 1895, during a remodel of Madrid’s city center, the Cibeles statue was moved to its current location at Plaza de Cibeles. This move was part of an effort to create a more cohesive and visually striking city center that would be attractive to visitors.
The Design
The Cibeles statue itself is made of marble and features Cybele sitting atop a chariot pulled by lions. She holds a scepter in one hand and a key in another, symbolizing her power over both land and sea. The lions pulling her chariot are also significant, representing strength and courage.
Symbolism
Over time, the Cibeles statue has come to represent much more than just an ancient goddess. To many people, it’s a symbol of Madrid itself – strong, powerful, and full of history. The plaza where it’s located is also home to other iconic buildings like Palacio de las Comunicaciones (now City Hall), Banco de España, and the Palacio de Linares.
The Cibeles Fountain
While the statue is certainly beautiful on its own, it’s also part of a larger fountain that’s equally stunning. The Cibeles Fountain was designed by architect Ventura Rodríguez and features four smaller fountains surrounding the main one.
Each of these smaller fountains represents a different Spanish river – the Tagus, Júcar, Ebro, and Guadalquivir. Together, they create a beautiful display of water and light that’s become a popular spot for photos.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Cibeles statue in Madrid is much more than just a piece of art – it’s a symbol of the city itself. Its rich history and beautiful design make it an important landmark for both locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re admiring it from afar or taking a selfie in front of it, there’s no denying that the Cibeles statue is one of Madrid’s most beloved treasures.