Whispers of history surround us. We stand before the Fuente de Rodajos a testament to a bygone era. This seemingly simple fountain holds a wealth of stories within its aged stones.
The Fuente de Rodajos isn’t just a fountain. It’s a relic of the Casa de Campo’s past a significant part of its history dating back to the reign of Fernando VI. Imagine the Casa de Campo then divided into administrative sections called Cuarteles. The Fuente de Rodajos was nestled within one of these important Cuarteles the Sitio de Rodajos.
Once a lively source of water the Fuente de Rodajos now stands dry. Its location is secluded and intimate a hidden gem in the vast Casa de Campo. It’s also known as the Charca de Rodajos hinting at its past abundance.
The fountain and the nearby water pump house were built by José Pérez Sanjuán. Construction began on September 30 1879. Notice the architectural similarity to the water intake of the nearby water reservoir. Both structures were built during the reign of Alfonso XII.
Picture this. The Fuente de Rodajos was once a bountiful spring. Its water flowed from a nearby source channeled through an underground mine. This mine emptied into a granite washing basin. Only a small pool remains of this basin.
Next to it the Casilla del Motor de Agua remains. This small house housed a water pump. The pump sent water to the Cuartel de la Guardia Civil de Rodajos. This was near the Puerta de Rodajos.
Horacio Bentabol Ureta a 19th-century engineer described the Fuente de Rodajos as the most abundant water source in the Casa de Campo. For many years it supplied drinking water to the public. A remarkable fact considering its current state.
Even Pascual Madoz’s Geographic-Statistical-Historical Dictionary of Spain from 1848 mentioned the Fuente de Rodajos. He called it “the one of the Charca de Rodajos” further solidifying its historical significance.
A 1906 report detailed the Fuente de Rodajos’s output five liters per second of excellent potable water. The water collected in a basin before flowing to a washing area. This area an “abalberca” is still partially visible. Women of the Guardia Civil used this area for laundry.
The Fuente de Rodajos stands as a poignant reminder of a vibrant past. It deserves restoration. It is a part of our shared heritage. We should remember its story. It deserves to be celebrated. Let’s reflect on this hidden treasure of Madrid’s history.