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Cibeles Fountain will change appearance after five months of works
Madrid is preparing to see an unusual image of one of its most recognisable symbols. Cibeles Fountain will be restored between June and October 2026, work that will require part of the ensemble to be covered and will alter the square’s appearance for months.
The work does not aim to alter the design of the monument, but rather to restore its state of conservation. Preliminary studies identified accumulated dirt, cracks, loose elements, rust on iron pieces, and a whitish patina visible in some areas of the fountain.
The Ayuntamiento plans to invest around 350,000 euros in a restoration following several technical analyses of the stone and metal materials of the ensemble. The fountain is constantly exposed to water, humidity, pollution, and the heavy traffic of one of the busiest squares in Madrid.
The work will include specialised cleaning, biocidal treatment, crack repairs, consolidation of deteriorated elements, and protection against moisture. Anti-corrosion and water-repellent treatments will also be applied to improve the monument’s resistance in the medium and long term.
The intervention will have a clear visual impact. For several months, locals and visitors will not see Cibeles as usual, but rather partially covered by construction structures. The change will be temporary but striking in a space that appears daily in photographs, tourist routes, sporting celebrations, and journeys through the centre.
The restoration will also coincide with the transformation of the area between Cibeles and the Puerta de Alcalá, where the Ayuntamiento is promoting a new pedestrian boulevard. This overlap will mean that one of the most photographed areas of Madrid will experience months of works, diversions, and adjustments to mobility.
Cibeles is part of the Paisaje de la Luz, recognised as Patrimonio Mundial, and this status requires special monitoring of its conservation. The fountain is not just a monumental roundabout: it is a historic, urban, and emotional landmark for the city.
The restoration will mean giving up a very recognisable postcard image for a few months to ensure it remains standing in better condition. When the work is finished, the fountain should regain its details, reliefs, and cleanliness without losing the image that has made it one of the great symbols of the capital.