Cybele Palace

The Cibeles Palace, in Madrid

The Cibeles Palace is a sumptuous white building that dominates the square of the same name, one of the finest of Madrid. The Madrid audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this former Post Office palace become the town hall, facing the famous Cybele fountain.

The former Post Office palace and the Cybele fountain

On arriving at the Plaza de Cibeles, you understand immediately that it is one of the most important and finest squares of Madrid. It is dominated by the sumptuous Cibeles Palace, a monumental building of a dazzling white, with the appearance of a cathedral, erected at the beginning of the twentieth century. Originally, this palace sheltered the central seat of the Posts and Telecommunications, hence its former name of Palace of Communications. Today, it hosts the town hall of Madrid as well as a cultural centre, the CentroCentro, equipped with a panoramic terrace. In the centre of the square reigns the famous Cybele fountain, which represents the goddess on a chariot drawn by lions; it is here that the supporters of a great football club of the town come to celebrate their victories. The Cibeles Palace is one of the finest monuments of Madrid.

What to see

You admire the sumptuous building of a dazzling white with the appearance of a cathedral, the former central seat of the Posts become the town hall and the CentroCentro cultural centre with its panoramic terrace, as well as the famous Cybele fountain, the goddess on a chariot drawn by lions. The Cibeles Palace is one of the finest monuments of Madrid. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Cibeles Palace lies on the Plaza de Cibeles, in the heart of Madrid, reachable on foot and by public transport. You admire its exterior and the fountain freely; the CentroCentro cultural centre and the panoramic terrace follow their own hours and conditions, which vary. It is best to check them before coming.

What was the Cibeles Palace originally in Madrid?

Originally, this sumptuous white palace sheltered the central seat of the Posts and Telecommunications, hence its former name of Palace of Communications; it today hosts the town hall and the CentroCentro cultural centre, facing the Cybele fountain.

Where is the Cibeles Palace?

On the Plaza de Cibeles, in the heart of Madrid, in Spain.