Plaza de Cibeles & Cibeles Palace
Palacio de Cibeles
Madrid's most iconic square, where the white 'Post Palace' looks like a wedding cake and its top-floor terrace offers free city views.
At the center of the square is the Cibeles Fountain, showing the goddess riding a chariot pulled by lions. It is the traditional place where Real Madrid fans celebrate championship wins. On the southeast side, the Palacio de Cibeles, formerly the main post office, now houses the city hall and the cultural center CentroCentro. Its main hall can be visited for free. The 8th-floor observation deck (small fee, with time slots booked on site) overlooks Puerta de Alcalá and Gran Vía. Around the square are other grand buildings, including the Bank of Spain and the Palacio de Linares. Metro: Banco de España station is right at the exit, and Puerta de Alcalá and Retiro Park are within walking distance.
Opening hours
Square open all day; palace interior approx. 10:00–20:00, closed Mon
Nearby sights
- Puerta de Alcalá
- Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum
- Prado Museum
- National Archaeological Museum
- Royal Botanic Garden of Madrid
- Chueca
- El Retiro Park
- Reina Sofía Museum