This is the first time we will see the stage being built at Plaza de Cibeles or Cibeles square. Cibeles square is the most familiar landmark in Madrid which consists of neo-classical sculpture and the famous Madrid ficture called the Cibeles fountain found in paseo de recoletos. The Cibeles square and its fountain was designed by Ventura Rodriguez under the administration of King Charles III and was built between 1777 and 1782. The famous fountain of Cibeles boasts the statues of the Roman Goddess of nature Cybele and two lions. The statues where sculpted by Francisco Gutiérrez and the lions by Roberto Michel. Serving as the backdrop is the Cibeles Palace which formerly house the Postal stamp museum and now turned into Madrid City Hall. The cibeles square will be the venue for world youth day major events such as the Opening Mass, Welcome for the Pope and the Statio of the Corss. The stage set up by World Youth day organizers is simple and in front of the madrid City Hall (Cibeles Palace) but with a gigantic statue of Madrid’s famous Madonna and Child. A few days from now, Madrid will finally open its doors tow young people around the world as WYD 2011 commences.

[Slideshow View]