Fuente del Rey Sculpture

Emerging from the bustling streets of Madrid, find yourself drawn to the quiet elegance of the Fuente del Rey. It’s a small jewel, nestled beside the Carretera de Castilla. But don’t let its unassuming presence fool you. The Fuente del Rey whispers stories of royal patronage and meticulous craftsmanship. Commissioned by King Carlos III in 1780, this fountain was designed by the renowned architect Francisco Sabatini. Originally gracing a serene rural landscape, the Fuente del Rey served as a refreshing oasis for travelers and residents of Aravaca. It provided not just water but a moment of respite. The area surrounding the Fuente del Rey, once a tranquil intersection between Casa de Campo and El Pardo, has been transformed by the demands of modern traffic. This led to the fountain’s decline, but it was not forgotten. In 2003, thanks to the efforts of Ecologistas en Acción and the municipal council, the Fuente del Rey underwent a remarkable restoration. The fountain was carefully dismantled, cleaned, and rebuilt. This painstaking process, called anastilosis, involved numbering and stacking each individual stone. Then, the fountain was meticulously reconstructed. The fountain boasts a central granite monolith. This prominent feature is crowned by a limestone block, bearing the inscription: “FUENTE DEL REY / AÑO DE 1780”. Atop sits a sundial, a metal rod supporting a sphere. From the monolith’s front, a carved lion’s head spouts water into a basin below. Two smaller basins flank the central structure. They receive water flowing from spouts on the monolith’s sides. Look closely. You’ll notice the modern addition: small plaques reading “AGUA / NO POTABLE”, a reminder of the changing times. The Fuente del Rey stands as a testament to royal vision, architectural skill, and the dedication of those who brought it back to life.