Cybele Palace

As you arrive on Plaza de Cibeles, you quickly realise that this is one of the most important—and definitely one of the most iconic—squares in the city. For any football fans out there, you may have recognized this place as the gathering point for Real Madrid fans to celebrate victories. A must-see stop, the square is quite a unique place as it has such a majestic palace and stunning fountain just in front. This emblematic landmark features the Greek goddess of fertility, Cybele, riding a chariot pulled by lions. The Cybele Palace, now the city hall, used to be known as the Palace of Communications, since it was designed to be the headquarters for Spain’s postal and telegraph company. Inaugurated in 1909, it was declared a site of cultural interest in 1993. Today, the palace houses several spaces: a restaurant, a multipurpose hall, a tourist information center, a chapel, an auditorium, a massive cultural center spread across four floors, and the impressive Glass Gallery covered by a huge glass dome. At the top of the palace, on the eighth floor, there’s a viewing deck that you can access for a small fee, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the Spanish capital.