Route through the fountains of Barcelona
Routes 07/08/2024Barcelona is a city full of history where the old and the modern mix. Among its labyrinthine streets and bustling avenues, there are hidden jewels that encapsulate its essence, and one of these jewels is its fountains, from the most monumental ones that celebrate great events, to the hidden corners where the waters whisper. They are not mere urban decorations, each fountain in Barcelona has a story to tell. Join us on this tour that explores the most emblematic, most beautiful and most hidden fountains in Barcelona.
THE MOST EMBLEMATIC
Magic Fountain of Montjuic
It is located in front of the National Palace (MNAC) in Montjuic and was built for the 1929 International Exhibition by Carles Buïgas. This fountain combines water, light and music in a nighttime show that takes place several days a week. Check the schedules here .
Monumental Fountain ofPlaça Espanya
It was designed by Josep Maria Jujol, a collaborator of Antoni Gaudí, and was also inaugurated for the 1929 International Exhibition. This classic Noucentista style fountain pays tribute to water, especially to the seas and rivers that bathe and run through the Iberian Peninsula.
Monumental Waterfall of the Parc de la Ciutadella
This impressive structure stands out for its grandeur and beauty. It was built for the 1888 Universal Exhibition and was designed by Josep Fontserè with the collaboration of Antoni Gaudí in his early years of architectural career. It imitates a triumphal arch decorated with mythological sculptures, combining a neoclassical style with modernist details.
Font de les Tres Gràcies
It is located in the center of the emblematic Plaça Reial, it was designed by Antoni Rovira i Trias and inaugurated in 1876. The fountain presents the mythological Three Graces that symbolize love, beauty and joy. It represents the classical influence on the culture of Barcelona and offers a place for contemplation and aesthetic enjoyment in the middle of a square full of life and activity.
Canaletes Font
Located at the beginning of Las Ramblas, it is famous not only for its beauty, but also for the tradition that says that whoever drinks from it will always return to Barcelona. In addition, it is the celebration point for FC Barcelona fans.
THE PRETTIEST ONES
Font de Sant Jordi
Located in the Patio de los Naranjos of the Palau de la Generalitat, this fountain is a work of art that celebrates Sant Jordi, patron saint of Catalonia. Its elegant design and its historical environment in which you can breathe pure peace, make it one of the most beautiful fountains in Barcelona.
Font of the Lady of Paraigua
This elegant fountain was inaugurated in 1884, the work of the sculptor Joan Roig i Solé. Located within the Ciutadella Park, the central figure, a lady with an umbrella, is an icon of public art in the city and an outstanding example of Barcelona's sculptural heritage.
Portaferrissa Font
The Portaferrissa Fountain in the historic Gothic quarter is an emblematic fountain decorated with tiles that narrate a legend from the 18th century that tells that during a severe drought, the Virgin appeared and made water miraculously flow out in the place where the fountain is currently located. Originally built in the 17th century, the fountain is known for its rich history and charming design.
Font d'Hercules
On Passeig de Sant Joan, inaugurated in 1929, is a majestic fountain designed by Josep Maria Jujol. It is the oldest ornamental fountain in the city. It features an imposing statue of Hercules holding a mace, surrounded by architectural and sculptural elements in a modernist style.
THE MOST HIDDEN
Font de Sant Just
Located in the Barri Gòtic of Barcelona, it is one of the oldest fountains in the city, built in the 14th century. It originally served as a water supply point for the residents. Its medieval design and its location in the Plaza de Sant Just make it a charming historical vestige of medieval Barcelona.
Santa Anna Fountain
It is located in the Raval neighborhood, in a picturesque square near the Santa Anna church. This fountain, with a classic style and discreet design, is a quiet corner that invites you to rest. Its historical setting and the serenity of the place make this fountain a charming and lesser-known place in Barcelona.
Cova del Drac Fountain
Located in the Tamarita Gardens, in the Sarrià-Sant Gervasi district, this fountain is a charming and little-known place. Ideal for a quiet getaway, it is one of Barcelona's best kept secrets.
Font del Gat
Located in the Laribal Garden of Montjuïc in Barcelona, it is a picturesque fountain built in 1928 by the architect Rafael Guastavino. Its name, which means "Cat Fountain", comes from the figure of a cat sculpted in the fountain. It is the starting point of the famous traditional Catalan song " Baixant de la Font del Gat ". The lyrics of the song describe the walk through the area, evoking the image of descending from the fountain while enjoying the beauty of the garden and the natural environment and reflects the cultural connection between the fountain and Catalan popular tradition.
Ninfa Egeria Fountain
It is a charming corner in the Horta Labyrinth Park that evokes classical mythology. This fountain, dedicated to the nymph Egeria, a protective figure of forests and waters, is surrounded by lush vegetation and is located at the end of a winding path. It is a place of calm and beauty, perfect for reflection and enjoyment of nature.
All of these fountains not only decorate the city, they also tell their own stories and traditions that enrich the experience of exploring and discovering Barcelona.
Note: Currently there are no water shows taking place and all ornamental fountains are turned off as an extraordinary water saving measure due to the drought situation in the city. Check the current protocol here . (08/07/2024)