“Zarza” means bramble in Spanish. The Fuente del Zarzón de Cádiz gets its name from the abundance of these plants in the area.
This spring is one of the oldest in the Casa de Campo. It dates back to 1898. The Fuente del Zarzón de Cádiz is located in the southwestern part of the Casa de Campo. Specifically, it is in an area called El Zarzón. You will find it north of the Meaques stream. It is also near the Casa de Campo wall.
José Pérez Sanjuán designed the modern fountain that we see today. This happened in 1898. The fountain has undergone some changes since then. The current structure is a restoration from the 1940s. This was after the Spanish Civil War. The Fuente del Zarzón de Cádiz retains part of its original form.
The Fuente del Zarzón de Cádiz is one of only two springs in the Casa de Campo. These two are not connected to the Canal de Isabel II. The other is the Fuente de las Casa de Vacas. For this reason, the water from the Fuente del Zarzón de Cádiz is not drinkable. In the early 20th century, the water flow was half a liter per second.
During the Civil War, this area saw intense use. Batteries of ten and a half cannons were installed near the Fuente del Zarzón de Cádiz. They targeted areas in the south of the city.
The fountain’s design includes three steps at its drainage point. These steps reach its phreatic level. This design prevents the fountain from drying up. However, the single spout makes it difficult to drink from. Again, it is not advisable to drink the water.
Behind the Fuente del Zarzón de Cádiz, there is a small structure. It measures 1.70 by 1.50 meters. It has a roof with four marble slabs and a finishing touch. This is a small cistern. The spring water flows from it. It is similar to the one at the Fuente de la Perdiz.
If you visit the Museo de los Orígenes, you can see Roman remains. These were found near the Fuente del Zarzón de Cádiz. Also, to the north on Cerro del Espinillo, you can find primitive pottery. This pottery comes from prehistoric human settlements.
The Puerta del Zarzón was rebuilt in recent times. It extends along the walls of the Casa de Campo. Its origin likely coincides with that of the walls. Or it may be slightly later. The gate served as a pedestrian entrance and exit to the park. It sits between the Camino de Humera and an outer road. This road connects to nearby developments. Its direct connection to the Puente de la Culebra and the Fuente del Zarzón de Cádiz makes it easily accessible.