Can you imagine a place hidden away within Casa de Campo? It is a place where the echoes of nobility and forgotten springs intertwine. Today we’re standing before the Fuente de Cobatillas.
This fountain sits quietly on the right bank of the Cobatillas stream. It often goes unnoticed in its abandoned state. The stream is usually dry.
Its name comes from the lands once owned by Victoria Bernarda de los Reyes Contreras de la Torre. Among her titles, she was the 3rd Countess of Cobatillas. She inherited this title from her father. He had inherited it from Luis Jerónimo de Contreras y Velázquez de Cuéllar. He was the first Count of Cobatillas. King Felipe IV created this noble title on January 11, 1661.
In 1735, Fernando VI bought the lands from the Countess of Cobatillas. He was still Prince of Asturias at the time. Luis Jerónimo de Contreras, Count of Cobatillas, was serving as Madrid’s Corregidor.
The deed of sale mentions a spring on the property. This highlights the importance of water when buying land. Prince Fernando faced difficulties acquiring and registering these lands. They were part of the Cobatillas estate. This meant restrictions on their sale.
The Fuente de Cobatillas ranks among the oldest fountains in Casa de Campo. Sadly, it now lies abandoned. It lacks its original channel and decorations, as seen in a 1932 photograph by José Corral.
During the Second Republic, it underwent restoration along with the Fuente de la Cacera. This gave it the appearance it has today. It features Madrid-style rendering that imitates granite. The fountain’s water came from a spring. It flowed through a 50-meter mine.
Interestingly, the Fuente de Cobatillas remained largely untouched after the Civil War of 1936-39. It deserves a well-documented restoration. This would recognize it as a protected element.
The title of Count of Cobatillas has a rich history. Felipe IV granted it to Luis Jerónimo de Contreras y Velázquez de Cuéllar in 1661. The title refers to the uninhabited village of Cobatillas in Segovia. Fernando Gallego de Chaves y Castillo currently holds the title.
Luis Jerónimo de Contreras y Velázquez de Cuéllar held many important positions. He was a knight of the Order of Santiago. He was also a perpetual governor and representative in the courts for Segovia. Additionally, he served as the mayor-corregidor of Madrid. He was also a member of Felipe IV’s Treasury Council.
His son, Antonio Manuel de Contreras y Villarroel, became the second Count of Cobatillas. Victoria Bernarda de los Reyes Contreras de la Torre then inherited the title. She became the third Countess.
The fountain stands as a testament to times gone by. Its story is one of nobility, water and neglect. Let’s take a moment to appreciate this hidden gem. From this spot near the Cobatillas road, we can continue towards the water reservoir.