Fuente de Cibeles, Madrid

The Fountain of Cybele is the monumental fountain filling Plaza de Cibeles, and the sculptural group at its heart gives this place its identity. Its central figure is Cybele, a Phrygian deity linked with earth and fertility, and the fountain has become an icon of Madrid. Ventura Rodríguez designed and commissioned it in 1780, in the Rococo style.

Francisco Gutiérrez carved the goddess, while Roberto Michel created the lions. Look at the mural crown and the chariot: the goddess rides with a pair of lions, who represent Atalanta and Hippomenes. The group is carved from white marble brought from Montesclaros.

The fountain reached its present location and orientation in 1895, and its basin can hold 278 m3 of water. Its story also has a vivid modern chapter. Real Madrid supporters and players gather here to celebrate trophies, as do people celebrating Spain’s national football successes.

During a Spanish national-team celebration in 1994, the goddess lost a hand; on 21 September 2002, she lost another. Even damaged by those celebrations, Cybele remains an unmistakable emblem of the city.