Erected during a time of great change, Fuente de las Covas stands as a testament to Madrid’s history. This seemingly simple drinking fountain has a story to tell. We are standing at the Fuente de las Covas.
It was built in 1933. This was during the Second Republic. The fountain is near the Canal de la Partida fountain. Both were linked to the Casa de Campo entrances near the Puente del Rey gate.
The Fuente de las Covas has remained mostly unchanged since its construction. It is one of several drinking fountains built in Casa de Campo during the Republic. These fountains marked the opening of the park to all Madrid residents in 1931. The Casa de Campo had historically been closed off to the public. The fountain symbolized the newfound freedom.
Look closely at the Fuente de las Covas’s design. You will see a rectangular wall made of plastered brick. It stands about 2.40 meters tall and 1.70 meters wide. Each side has a metal spout.
Notice the pilasters framing the wall. Small limestone spheres top them. Below these spheres, the years are marked “AÑO” and “1933”. These pilasters connect across the wall. They support a small gable. The gable has a semicircular top. It is decorated with a gray cornice.
Observe the materials used. The wall is pinkish brick. Limestone and granite also form part of the structure.
Each face of the Fuente de las Covas has small basins. They sit directly under the spouts. The basins are rectangular with semicircular fronts. Granite lines the bottoms and edges. Metal grates cover the drains.
Imagine people gathering here in 1933. They were drinking cool water on a hot day. They were celebrating their newfound access to the park. The Fuente de las Covas was more than a water source. It was a symbol of a changing society.
The layout includes transverse supports. They extend from the pilasters. These create bench-like seats. The area around the fountain is paved. Thirty-four small cylindrical bollards border it. They are topped with flattened spheres.
Today, the Fuente de las Covas fits seamlessly into the park’s landscape. It stands as a reminder of a specific time. It was a time of hope. It was a time of change in Madrid’s history.
So, as you stand here. Think about the history around you. The Fuente de las Covas is a small but important piece. It represents Madrid’s journey toward freedom and accessibility. Its enduring presence makes it a special place.