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Places of interest #25 in Mexico City

Fuente de Cibeles

4.6 · 22,108 reviews
Urban, social, and neighborhood-centric
Fuente de Cibeles, Pl. Villa de Madrid, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Interesting facts
1

The fountain depicts the Phrygian goddess Cybele, who represents fertility, agriculture, and nature.

2

The lions pulling the chariot are named Hippomenes and Atalanta, based on Greek mythology.

3

It is one of only two major replicas of the Madrid fountain in the world.

4

The original Madrid fountain, sculpted by Francisco Gutiérrez and Roberto Michel, dates back to 1782.

5

The fountain is positioned within a traffic roundabout, requiring careful observation of city layout to navigate.

Overview

The Fuente de Cibeles in Mexico City is a bronze replica of the iconic 18th-century fountain located at the Plaza de Cibeles in Madrid. Commissioned by the Hispanic community in Mexico, it was inaugurated in 1980 to symbolize the brotherhood between the two cities. The sculpture features the Roman goddess Cybele riding in a chariot drawn by two lions. It sits at the center of the Plaza Villa de Madrid, serving as a focal point for the Roma Norte neighborhood. The bronze cast is approximately 125 percent the size of the original fountain in Spain. The site underwent a significant restoration project in 2011 to clean and preserve the bronze elements. The surrounding plaza functions as a hub for local social activity, surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and residential buildings.

Photo spot

From the sidewalk on the north side of the plaza for an unobstructed view of the chariot and lions.

Insider tips

Visit during daylight hours to capture the bronze details without glare.

Combine your visit with a walk through the surrounding Roma Norte streets to explore the area's distinct Art Nouveau and Porfirian architecture.

Choose a nearby outdoor cafe to enjoy the view of the fountain while sitting away from traffic.

What to avoid

Attempting to cross the busy traffic circle on foot; use the designated pedestrian crossings at the plaza perimeter.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
30-45 minutes
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings or weekend afternoons to enjoy the neighborhood's active cafe culture.
Address
Fuente de Cibeles, Pl. Villa de Madrid, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
19.420, -99.166
Get directions
Details
Sculptural materialBronze
Architectural styleNeoclassical replica

Frequently asked

Plan for about 30-45 minutes to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings or weekend afternoons to enjoy the neighborhood's active cafe culture..

From the sidewalk on the north side of the plaza for an unobstructed view of the chariot and lions.

Close by you'll find The Angel of Independence, Bosque de Chapultepec, Chapultepec Castle.