Fountains

Within the general project ordered by King Carlos III to restore, improve, and modernize Madrid, new paths, walks, and avenues adorned by great fountains became main elements in the streets.

These three fountains adopted the name of Roman gods: Cibeles, Apollo and Neptune.

Cibeles

This sculpture was erected by Ventura Rodriguez by order of King Carlos III in 1777.

Cibeles, the Goddess of Fertility rides a chariot drawn by two lions condemned by Goddess Afrodita to pull it for eternity. The goddess and lions are sculpted in marble and the rest of the statue in stone from the mountains of Madrid.

Additionally, Cibeles is the place and the symbol that Real Madrid supporters use to meet to celebrate when the team wins any competition.

Neptune

Neptune, the sea god, is riding a shell shaped chariot pulled by two horses with fish tails, which according to mythology represent sea storms. Neptune holds a trident in his left hand (it has been stolen once) and a coiled snake in his right arm.

This fountain represents an allegory about the Spanish navy that was renovated and modernized by King Carlos III to protect and defend Spanish colonies.

Neptune is also the place and symbol where the Madrid’s second football team, Atletico de Madrid, celebrate when they win any tournament.

Apollo

This third fountain concluded the fountain trilogy with the purpose of decorating the new Prado walk.

Apollo is represented on top of the monument, wrapped in a cloak, surrounded by allegorical figures that represent the four seasons and the Venus shell.