Fuente de los Neveros

Did the ice vendors, “neveros”, ever imagine their legacy would be etched in stone? Here at the Fuente de los Neveros, their memory flows as freely as the water. This fountain, nestled near the now-dry lake in Casa de Campo, whispers tales of a bygone era. The Fuente de los Neveros was erected in 1933, during the Second Republic. It stands as a testament to both the newfound public access to the park and the hardworking ice vendors. These “neveros” harvested ice from the frozen lake in winter. They then stored it in snow pits near the present-day municipal swimming pool. This ice, covered with straw, was a valuable commodity, sold in Madrid’s Santo Domingo market throughout the summer. The Fuente de los Neveros, designed by municipal architects Manuel Álvarez Naya and José de Lorite Kramer, showcases the simple elegance of its time. Two pairs of metal spouts, two on each side, offer refreshing water. The fountain’s structure, built from brick and stone in a Toledan pattern, exudes a rustic charm. Look closely at the ornamentation. Two acorn motifs flank a central ball, all carved from Colmenar limestone. These elements, salvaged from older projects, add a touch of history to the fountain’s design. The inscription “Año 1933” and the word “NEVEROS” proudly proclaim the fountain’s dedication and date of creation. The Fuente de los Neveros is more than just a source of water. It is a tribute to the ingenuity and labor of the ice vendors, a symbol of the Second Republic’s spirit, and a charming reminder of Casa de Campo’s rich history.