Palacio de Cibeles & Puerta de Alcalá
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Palacio de Cibeles - by Carlos Delgado (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Description
The Cibeles Palace was built in Modernismo style at the beginning of the 20th century to act as the city telecom and post headquarters. Its name comes from the neoclassical Fountain of Cybele next to it (built in 1794) that represents the Phrygian earth and fertility deity. Since 2007, the monument is occupied by the Madrid City Council and includes a cultural event space and the Glass Gallery, a large multi-purpose space. The Palacio de Cibeles has a mirador/look out in its main tower which involves an entrance fee and is not covered in this review. The Puerta de Alcalá is a gate designed in neo-classical style at the end of the 18th century and built at the centre of Madrid's Plaza de la Independencia (Independence Square). It is made of granite from Segovia and belonged to the Walls of Felipe IV that surrounded the city until 1868 and served a fiscal rather than defensive purpose. The name is linked to the old path from Madrid to the town of Alcalá de Henares.
Access & Transport
The Banco de España (2) metro station is next to the Palacio de Cibeles and the Retiro station (2) is 100m from the Puerta de Alcalá. There are also bus stops directly around Puerta de Alcalá / Pl. de la Independencia and next to the Palace on Paseo del Prado.
Instructions & Recommendations
This activity is well combined with a visit / walk in the Retiro Park, the Salamanca neighbourhood, the National Archaeological Museum or the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum.
Environmental & Social
No environmental data for the area but there is a lot of asphalt, concrete and traffic. Part of the city's architectural heritage.
Conclusion
The Palace with the fountain next to it is one of the city's main sights and should not be missed. It is a minor investment in any case since there isn't much to visit (can look inside but the draw is the exterior architecture) and you are sure to go past it on your way to Retiro park or one of the main museums along Paseo del Prado. As for the Puerta de Alcalá it is best seen as a combo with the Palace 300m away but doesn't warrant a standalone trip in a city with so many monuments.
Key positive
Very striking external facade
Centrally located and next to an entrance to Retiro Park
Key negative
Nothing much to visit
Suitability
No restrictions
About this Rating
TYPE
Onsite
RESEARCHED IN
June 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:1h
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightOk
Night – aft. midnightNo