Amidst the sprawling greenery of Madrid’s Casa de Campo, rests the Fuente del Plátano Gordo. A seemingly unassuming fountain, it holds a story as rich and layered as the park itself. The Fuente del Plátano Gordo isn’t just a source of refreshment. It’s a quiet testament to a turbulent period in Spanish history. It was erected during the Second Republic, between 1931 and 1936, a time of immense political and social change. The fountain was part of a series of water features constructed after the Casa de Campo was opened to the public in May 1931. Imagine the joy of Madrid’s citizens, finally granted access to this once-royal hunting ground, now a place of leisure. The architects behind the Fuente del Plátano Gordo, Manuel Álvarez Naya and José de Lorite, left their mark on this tranquil corner of the park in 1934. The fountain’s name, “Fuente del Plátano Gordo,” translates to “Fountain of the Fat Banana Tree.” This refers to a large plane tree nearby, a prominent feature near El Lago, in the Glorieta del Plátano Gordo. This “fat” plane tree, standing proudly amidst its more slender companions, gave its name not only to the roundabout but also to the fountain. The fountain itself is a small, rectangular structure with a triangular gable. It features a stepped, geometric design and contrasting colors. Two spouts, one on each side, provide water. Small metal grates serve as drains. Low, protruding ledges extend from each side, offering a place to rest. The Fuente del Plátano Gordo shares design elements with other fountains from the same era, particularly the Fuente del Mirlo, with its characteristic side seats. However, its unique base and decorative features distinguish it. The fountain’s construction coincided with the creation of the new Glorieta del Plátano Gordo during the Second Republic, a roundabout that was later lost and rediscovered in 2014. The Fuente del Plátano Gordo is more than just a fountain. It’s a tangible link to Madrid’s past, a reminder of a time of change, and a quiet oasis within the bustling Casa de Campo.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to