Providing much of the beauty for Madrid's iconic Plaza de Cibeles, but far from having an ancient spiritual origin, this is in fact a 100-year old post-office.
The gorgeous Palacio de Cibeles looks like a ready-made backdrop for a fountain. With its white spumes of climbing pinnacles, pilasters and towers – all glistening in the sunshine – you'd be surprised if there wasn't a fountain splashing around at its base. And this flamboyant building does indeed have a one – the famous Cibeles Fountain. This statue of the Roman Goddess of Fertility, leaning back in her lion-drawn chariot, is world-famous, with its crystal jets of water shooting out from its base. Put Palace and Fountain together, and you have one of Madrid's best known icons – the Plaza de Cibeles.But for all its gloriously uplifting high-gothic looks (some have called it 'Spanish Gothic'), the Palacio de Cibeles has a rather functional history. It was erected here by the architect Antonio Palacios a century ago, as the main office of Spain's postal service – and called the Palacio de Comunicaciones (or the Communications Palace). And it continued to deal with matters postal, as the Postal and Telegraphic Museum, until 2007, when the city's government moved in, and renamed it to the Casa del Ayuntamiento (or City Hall). It is now the grand seat of government for the city's Mayor, as well as home for many of Madrid's administrative workers. But it isn't entirely out-of-bounds to visitors. There's an exhibition space on the lower floors, which is open to the public, as well as guided tours, and the Colección Cibeles, an excellent café and tapas bar.But it's the view from the top of the City Hall's impressive looking tower (over 46 metres up) which brings many sightseers into these halls of civic power. It's open to the public – with a free-ticket service during the day – and is a great way to take in the elegant grandeur of central Madrid and views over the Parque de Retiro. And if you want to wine and dine while you admire, you could always book a table at the sixth-floor Palacio de Cibeles restaurant. This is a top-class restaurant with a first-rate view.
