Cibeles Fountain

This project was carried out by Ventura Rodríguez, under Carlos III´ s reign. The fountain is made of marble and represents the goddess Cibeles, symbol of earth, agriculture and fecundity, by Francisco Gutierrez. The goddess is represented over a cart pulled by lions that were sculpted by Roberto Michel, and that represent the mythological characters of Hipómenes (or Melaión) and Atalanta, the great hunter of the group of Diana.

Hipómenes fell in love with Atalanta and got her love thanks to Aphrodite and the golden apple trick. However, when lovers made the sacrilege of making love in a temple of Cibeles, Zeus got angry and turned them into lions, condemning them to eternally pull the Goddess great cart. In her hands she carries the sceptre and the keys of the city.

Moreover, two cupids were added in its back; one of them pours water from an amphora (By Miguel Ángel Trilles), and the other one supports a conch (by Antonio Parera).

It is the place of celebration of great victories of the Spanish football team Real Madrid.

Interesting resources

   Photos of the Cibeles Fountain