Fountain of Cibeles facts for kids
The Cibeles Fountain is a famous marble fountain located in the Plaza de Cibeles (Cybele's Square) in Madrid, Spain. It's a well-known landmark in the city center. The fountain features a statue of the Roman goddess Cybele, riding a chariot pulled by two lions. This beautiful monument stands in the middle of a very busy road crossing, making it a central point in Madrid.
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Discovering the Cibeles Fountain
The Cibeles Fountain is one of Madrid's most iconic symbols. It's not just a pretty statue; it's also a popular meeting spot. Many important events, especially sports celebrations, happen around this fountain. People gather here to celebrate victories and enjoy the city's lively atmosphere.
Who Built the Cibeles Fountain?
The idea for the Cibeles Fountain came from King Carlos III of Spain. He was the ruler at the time and wanted to make Madrid more beautiful. The king asked for the fountain to be built in 1716. The main statue of the goddess was created by a talented artist named Ventura Rodriguez. The two powerful lions were sculpted by Robert Michel.
The fountain has been moved and changed a few times over the years. It was finally placed in its current central spot in 1895. This made it a permanent and important part of the Plaza de Cibeles.
The Story of the Goddess Cybele
The main figure in the fountain is the Roman Goddess Cybele. She was known as the goddess of fertility, nature, and wild animals. In the statue, Cybele sits on a grand chariot. This chariot is pulled by two strong lions, making the scene look very powerful and majestic.
The Lions: Hippomenes and Atalanta
The two lions pulling Cybele's chariot have names: Hippomenes and Atalanta. Their story comes from ancient myths. According to these legends, Hippomenes and Atalanta were once humans. The goddess Cybele transformed them into lions. This happened because they disrespected her sacred temple. Now, they forever pull her chariot as part of the famous fountain.
