Madrid, the capital city of Spain, is famous for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful architecture, and bustling plazas. Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, and Plaza de España are some of the most popular plazas in Madrid. However, when it comes to the biggest plaza in Madrid, there is only one answer – Plaza de Cibeles.
Plaza de Cibeles – The Biggest Plaza in Madrid
Located in the heart of Madrid, Plaza de Cibeles is a grand and majestic plaza that attracts tourists from all over the world. The plaza is named after the magnificent fountain at its center – Fuente de Cibeles.
The fountain depicts Cybele, the Roman goddess of fertility and nature, riding a chariot pulled by lions. It was designed by Francisco Gutiérrez and erected in 1782.
The History of Plaza de Cibeles
Plaza de Cibeles has been an essential part of Madrid’s history since its inception. Initially known as Plaza de Madrid or Salón del Prado, it was used for various purposes such as military parades and bullfights. In 1895, the city council decided to remodel the plaza into a more elegant space that would reflect Madrid’s growing status as a capital city.
The remodeling work was carried out by architect Antonio Palacios and engineer Eduardo Adaro. They designed a new urban layout that included widening the surrounding streets to create more space for pedestrians. They also added new buildings such as Palacio de Linares (now Casa de América) and Palacio de Buenavista (now headquarters of the Spanish Army) around the plaza.
The Architecture of Plaza de Cibeles
Plaza de Cibeles boasts some of the most beautiful buildings in Madrid. The most notable one is Palacio de Cibeles, formerly known as Palacio de Comunicaciones.
It was designed by architects Antonio Palacios and Joaquín Otamendi and completed in 1919. The palacio served as Madrid’s main post office until 2007 when it was renovated and converted into a cultural center.
Another notable building is Banco de España, located on the eastern side of the plaza. It was built between 1884 and 1891 in the neoclassical style by architect Eduardo Adaro. The bank is still operational and serves as Spain’s central bank.
What to Do at Plaza de Cibeles
Plaza de Cibeles is not just a beautiful space to admire architecture; it also offers various activities for visitors. You can visit Palacio de Cibeles and enjoy its exhibitions, concerts, and events. You can also climb to the top of the palacio’s tower for a stunning panoramic view of Madrid.
Fuente de Cibeles is another attraction that shouldn’t be missed. Take a picture with the goddess Cybele riding her chariot or simply relax by the fountain and enjoy its beauty.
Conclusion
Plaza de Cibeles is undoubtedly the biggest plaza in Madrid, spanning over 12,000 square meters. Its rich history, stunning architecture, and numerous attractions make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Madrid. So don’t forget to add Plaza de Cibeles to your itinerary when you plan your trip to this beautiful city!