- Address: Plaza Canovas del Castillo, Madrid
- Phone: +34 (91) 7651005
- Sightseeing: Neptune Fountain, Apollo Fountain
The square of Canovas del Castillo , named after an outstanding Spanish political figure, an ardent supporter of the monarchy, the founder of the Conservative Party, Antonio Canovas del Castillo, connects the streets of Paseo del Prado and Ricoletos and lies between the two famous museums of Madrid , the Prado and Thyssen (Villahermosa Palace). It also starts the streets of Cervantes and Philip IV.
The Neptune Fountain
The Neptune fountain is the main decoration of the square. The statue was made according to the decree of King Carlos III, published in 1770. The author of the project is Ventura Rodriguez, the sculptor is Juan Pascual de Mena. The development of the project was completed by 1777. De Mena was unable to complete the work because of death, so the remaining sculptural details were performed by other masters. Completely work on the creation of sculpture was completed in 1786. The construction of the Neptune fountain almost coincided with the erection of another, no less famous fountain - on the Sibeles Square , and the author of the project in both cases was the same architect.
Neptune is full-grown; he is standing by the chariot in which the sea horses-hippocampuses are harnessed, and the dolphins and seals accompany the cart of the god of the seas. It is believed that the sea god recalls the fleet reforms carried out by Carlos III. Initially, he was in the same square, but somewhat in another place, and the final location was only found in 1898. The fountain works from 10.00 to 20.00 every day.
The Neptune Fountain is the place of gathering fans of FC Atletico Madrid, which are here celebrate all the victories of the beloved team. By the way, thanks to the fountain, the area is often called Neptune Square.
Palace and Ritz hotels
These two hotels together with the palace of the Dukes of Villahermosa form the border of the square. The Palace Hotel was originally the palace of the dukes of Medinachali. It goes to the square of Canovas del Castillo, but its address is the square of Cortez. This is a 5-star hotel, one of the best in Madrid.
Hotel Ritz also has 5 stars and in no way inferior to his fellow. His address is the area of Lealtad. Hotel Ritz in 2010 celebrated the centennial anniversary. The hotel was built according to royal decree and royal money. Immediately after the opening of the hotel, Spanish newspapers wrote about him as "the most magnificent and dormant" building. And today the hotel "keeps the brand" is one of the few hotels where marble baths and handmade carpets are in the rooms. In this luxury hotel is not excessive.
How to get to Canovas del Castillo?
You can reach the square either by renting a car (one of the most popular services for tourists) or by public transport , for example, by municipal bus No. 10, 14, 27, 34, 37 and 45.
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