Madrid has many beautiful squares, but Plaza de la Cibeles is without a doubt one of the most beautiful. On this square stands the fountain 'La Cibeles', a representation of the goddess of fertility (especially grain crops). She's better known as Ceres. The goddess sits on a chariot pulled by two lions. If Real Madrid football club wins an important trophy, this is the place for the fans to celebrate.

But it's not just the fountain that makes this square one of the most beautiful in Madrid. The buildings and sights around it are also worth a visit. The most prominent is the Palacio de Communicaciones, which indeed looks a lot like a palace but is simply the headquarters of the Spanish Post Office. It was built between 1905 and 1917 and is also called 'the wedding cake' by some. In the building there is a post and telegraph museum, which illustrates the development of communication since the 18th century.

The Spanish Bank also has its headquarters at this square. It is a huge building, originally from 1891, but in 1936 and 1975 wings were added. The gold from the central bank is kept in a cellar 30 meters underground. This cellar used to be flooded when there was a threat.

On the east side of the square is the baroque Palacio de Linares. It was built at the end of the 19th century by a wealthy banker. Rumor has it that his ghost is still around...

Visit Plaza de la Cibeles

Plaza de la Cibeles is located at the end of Paseo de Recoletos, a boulevard that leads to Plaza de Colón.