The Goddess and Public History

The Plaza de Cibeles is a square with a neo-classical complex of marble sculptures with fountains that has become a symbol for the city of Madrid. Cibeles Fountain has been standing in this emblematic square since 1782. One of the city's most famous landmarks, it depicts Cybele, the Great Mother of the gods and Roman goddess of fertility, atop a chariot drawn by two lions.

A Report from this Sacred Site

"Cibeles Fountain: The fountain that gave the square its name depicts Cybele (Cibeles in Spanish), the Greek goddess of fertility and nature, seated atop a chariot being pulled by lions. The sculpture's sense of power and might have made it a favorite spot of the Real Madrid soccer team as well as Spain's national club, both of whom gather at the fountain with fans to celebrate victories."

- Lindsey Zimmerman, Madrid's Plaza de Cibeles: The Complete Guide, Trip Savvy

Sources:

admin. 2012. "The Hymn to Cybele by Julian the Apostate." History Books Review. January 11, 2012. http://historybooksreview.co.uk/the-hymn-to-cybele-julian-apostate/.

‌

"Plaza de Cibeles." 2021. Wikipedia. December 4, 2021. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plaza_de_Cibeles.

‌

"Cibeles Fountain." n.d. Turismo Madrid. Accessed August 23, 2022. https://www.esmadrid.com/en/tourist-information/fuente-de-la-cibeles.

Lindsey Zimmerman. "The Ultimate Guide to Madrid's Plaza de Cibeles." n.d. TripSavvy. March 29, 2019. https://www.tripsavvy.com/complete-guide-to-plaza-de-cibeles-in-madrid-4589556.

Cybele-Madrid

Roman Goddess Cybele Holds Court in the Cibeles Fountain on Plaza de Cibeles in Madrid, Spain

Photo Credit: AnibalTrejo/Depositphotos.com

The Goddess and Public History

Discovering Ancient Goddesses and Divine Females in Public Places in New York and Beyond. She is all around you!

Cybele-Madrid

Meet the Goddesses

Discovering the Goddess

Goddess Historical Sites

Goddess Statues Around the World

Famous Goddesses in NY Museums

Goddess Expeditions to Museums

Goddesses in the Wild in NY

Goddesses in the News

Spiritually Connect to the Goddess

Bibliography

Quick Links