The Cibeles Fountain prepares for a restoration that will transform its presence in Madrid

Those who cross Plaza de Cibeles every day will soon notice a change in the landscape. The fountain that marks meetings, celebrations and the pulse of the city will undergo works this summer. Between June and October, the monument will undergo a complete restoration that will affect both its appearance and the urban life around it.

The project, with a budget of €350,000 funded by a private sponsor, includes meticulous work. Scaffolding and auxiliary equipment will be installed to facilitate access to every corner of the fountain. Cleaning will be the first step: accumulated residue and inappropriate mortar will be removed, adapting the treatment to the different areas of stone.

In addition, cracks will be inspected and sealed, a biocidal treatment will be applied to protect the materials, and the most delicate parts will be consolidated. Metal elements affected by corrosion will also receive specific attention. The aim is to reinforce the stability of the whole and restore the chromatic uniformity lost over time. Finally, a water-repellent treatment will be applied to protect the fountain from moisture and the elements.

During these months, the area around Cibeles will undergo a visible transformation. Pedestrian access and traffic flow in the square could be altered, and the familiar image of the goddess on her chariot will be temporarily covered by scaffolding. Madrid is once again adjusting its rhythm around one of its most recognisable symbols.

The Cibeles fountain is not just a reference point for Madrid residents and visitors. Since its inauguration in 1782, designed by Ventura Rodríguez, it has witnessed the city’s evolution and been the setting for collective celebrations. Its location, surrounded by emblematic buildings and at the intersection of major arteries, makes it a barometer of the urban mood. Each restoration is also an opportunity to remember how heritage forms part of everyday life in Madrid.