Right in Roma Norte stands a copy of Madrid’s most famous fountain. The Cibeles Fountain was a gift from Spanish residents in Mexico and was unveiled in 1980 in Plaza Villa de Madrid, which nearly everyone simply calls “la Cibeles.” Cafés, restaurants and early 20th-century buildings surround it, so it’s a good starting point for exploring the neighborhood on foot. It’s 800 m from Hotel Emma Boutique.
Practical information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance from the hotel | 800 m |
| Getting there | About a 10-minute walk along Calle Durango |
| Hours | Public plaza, open at all times |
| Cost | Free |
| Suggested time | 20 to 30 minutes, longer if you stay for a meal nearby |
What to see
- The goddess Cybele, a symbol of the earth and fertility, seated in a chariot drawn by two lions: the same design as the Madrid fountain commissioned by Charles III in the 18th century.
- The plaza itself: it used to be Plaza de Miravalle and was remodeled in 1980 to receive the fountain, when it took the name Plaza Villa de Madrid.
- The story of the gift: President José López Portillo and Madrid mayor Enrique Tierno Galván unveiled it on September 5, 1980, as a symbol of friendship between Mexico and Spain.
- The 2011 makeover, when the plaza was renovated and the fountain rededicated.
- The façades and terraces around the roundabout, where Calles Oaxaca, Durango and Medellín meet.
Getting there from Hotel Emma Boutique
On foot: about 800 m, roughly 10 minutes. Head south to Calle Durango and follow it east: the street ends at Plaza Villa de Madrid. It’s a flat walk along Roma Norte’s tree-lined sidewalks, with no major roads to cross.
By public transport: not worth it for this distance, but if you’re coming from elsewhere in the city, Glorieta de Insurgentes (Insurgentes station on Metro Line 1, and Metrobús Line 1) is a few minutes’ walk from the plaza.
Tips for your visit
- Go mid-morning, when light filters through the trees and the plaza is quiet.
- It’s a handy starting point for a Roma Norte walk: Calle Orizaba and Avenida Álvaro Obregón are a few blocks away.
- Traffic circles the plaza: cross at the corners and with care, especially with children.
- If you enjoy walking, continue south to Parque México in Condesa, or north to Glorieta de Insurgentes.
Nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Cibeles Fountain in Mexico City?
In Plaza Villa de Madrid, in Colonia Roma Norte, where Calles Oaxaca, Durango and Medellín meet.
Is it the same as the Cibeles in Madrid?
It’s a replica of the Madrid fountain: the goddess Cybele in a chariot drawn by two lions. Mexico’s Spanish community gave it to the city, and it was unveiled in 1980.
How much does it cost and when can I visit?
Nothing. It’s a public plaza, open at all times. Twenty or thirty minutes is enough, though many people stay for a meal nearby.
Where to stay near the Cibeles Fountain?
Also in Roma Norte, Hotel Emma Boutique is 800 m from la Cibeles, about a 10-minute walk along Calle Durango.