A fountain two meters higher than the Cybele or Neptune as 'big gate' to the floating forest of Parque Ventas

A new monumental fountain, set to rise in Madrid’s Parque Ventas, will stand approximately two meters taller than the iconic Cibeles or Neptune fountains, serving as a grand entrance to the floating forest park. The structure, part of a major urban renewal project, is designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape while offering a striking visual landmark. Construction has begun on its foundation, with plans to complete the work before the upcoming autumn season. The fountain, which will reach up to 10 meters in height, is positioned near the intersection of several key streets, Alejandro González, Sancho Dívila, Almería, and Marqués de Mondéjar, within the district of Salamanca. This location, typically bustling with traffic, will see the fountain act as a focal point, drawing attention away from the usual congestion. The fountain’s design incorporates three curved walls made of reinforced concrete, varying in height between seven and 10 meters. These walls will support cascading water features that flow from a reservoir into a circular pool measuring around seven meters in diameter. The cascades are intended to provide both aesthetic appeal and environmental benefits, cooling the area during warmer months and creating a soothing soundscape through the sound of flowing water. At night, the fountain will be illuminated, casting light patterns onto the surrounding structures and enhancing the ambiance of the space. The fountain is envisioned as more than just a decorative element, it is meant to serve as a gateway to the future green space known as the floating forest. Designed to accommodate up to 300,000 vehicles daily, the park itself is a complex network of 128 concrete pillars supporting a platform spanning 16,370 square meters. The site, located between the districts of Ciudad Lineal and Salamanca, is currently under development, with efforts underway to prepare the ground for planting and landscaping. The fountain will be surrounded by landscaped gardens featuring granite benches oriented toward the water feature, reinforcing the park’s role as a public retreat. While the fountain will be a notable addition to Madrid’s skyline, it will not surpass the city's tallest existing fountain, the Juan de Villanueva fountain in Parque del Oeste, which stands at 21 meters. Nonetheless, the new structure will rank among the tallest in the city, with one of its curved walls reaching 10 meters. It will surpass the current height of the Cibeles and Neptune fountains, which measure eight meters each. The fountain will remain a prominent feature even as it looks toward the M-30 motorway, a major artery of Madrid’s transportation network. The project is part of broader municipal initiatives aimed at transforming underutilized spaces into vibrant public areas. The Madrid City Council, specifically the Department of Works and Equipment, oversees the development of Parque Ventas, which includes not only the fountain but also the creation of pedestrian pathways and other recreational facilities. The design of the fountain reflects the geometric principles guiding the overall transformation of the park, emphasizing symmetry and harmony with the surrounding architecture. Construction of the fountain’s foundations has already commenced, marking a crucial step in bringing this ambitious vision to life. As the city continues to evolve, the fountain represents a commitment to integrating nature and modern infrastructure, offering residents a unique space for relaxation and reflection. Its completion will mark another milestone in Madrid’s ongoing effort to enhance its urban environment.