1. Four Fountains

Designed in 1781 by Ventura Rodriguez, the four fountains, also known as Las Fuentecillas is a note-worthy piece of architecture which you can find between the Botanical Gardens and Prado Museum. Each of the four fountains features a triton holding a dolphin in varying positions. The Four Fountains were initially constructed as part of the major renovation scheme for Salón del Prado. They are an important fixture in the city, especially with festivals held around the area always drawing people in.

Four Fountains

Address: Paseo del Prado, Spain

2. Neptune Fountain

Constructed by Juan Pascual de Mena and Jose Rodriguez in the period between 1780 and 1786, this neo-Classical fountain is a well-known landmark and one of the most preferred attractions by both tourists and locals in Madrid. The main aim of Neptune Fountain, which was commissioned under the orders of King Carlos III, was to pay tribute to the god of the sea, Neptune. In the fountain, Neptune is depicted holding a snake in one hand and a trident in the other, powerfully standing on a chariot driven by sea horses while surrounded by dolphins. What an incredible site to discover.

Neptune Fountain

Address: Plaza Canovas del Castillo, s/n, 28014 Madrid, Spain

3. Isabella II Fountain

Also, know as the Galápagos Fountain, Isabella II is a well-known landmark commissioned by Ferdinand VII to honour the first anniversary of the birth of Princess Isabella. The fountain was initially constructed in Red de San Luis in 1832 but 50 years later, it was moved to Glorieta de Nicaragua in Retiro Park, just close to the bandstand and the big lake. The fountain features three fairies offering gifts to the princess. The fountain was meant to reflect good wishes to the future queen. The dolphins ridden by four children signify wisdom, intelligence, and prudence; the water represents the source of life, the Galapagos tortoise signifies longevity while the marine elements represent fertility.

Isabella II Fountain

Address: Retiro Park, Madrid, Spain

4. Cibeles Fountain

The Fountain of Cibeles is dedicated to the goddess of fertility and nature, Cybele. You can find it within the neo-classical Plaza de Cibeles right in the middle of the city. The fountain was constructed during the rule of Charles III. The fountain was mainly designed by Ventura Rodríguez, the chariot and the goddess were designed by Franciso Gutiérrez while Roberto Michel designed the lions which are pulling the chariot. The fountain used to stand next to the Buenavista Palace but in the 1800s it was re-positioned to face the centre of Madrid.

Cibeles Fountain

Address: Plaza Cibeles, S/N, 28014 Madrid, Spain

5. Fuente de la Alcachofa

Initially located at the Atocha roundabout, this landmark was an important tourist attraction thanks to the fact that it was one of the first monuments tourists used to see as soon as they left the station. Currently, the fountain is located in Retiro Park just next to Fuente de Los Galapagos. Made of granite and white stone, the fountain features plants and water, marine deities, and an artichoke at the top of the fountain. There is also a triton and a nereid flanking a round base while holding up the city’s coat of arms.

Fuente de la Alcachofa

Address: Parque del Retiro, 28009 Madrid, Spain

Website: Fuente de la Alcachofa

Opening hours: 6am - 12pm (daily)

6. Orpheus Fountain

Standing in front of Santa Cruz Palace, the Fountain of Orpheus was initially constructed on Plaza de la Provincia in 1629 but sad enough, in 1865 it was dismantled. More than a century later, under the supervision of the municipal housing authority, a replica was constructed at the square based on the original design. The fountain features an octagonal base with four water spouts coming from a central column that is topped by a statue of Orpheus. Thanks to the reconstruction of the fountain the town has successfully managed to maintain the original appearance of the square.

Orpheus Fountain

Address: Plazade la Provincia, Madrid, Spain

7. Fuente de la Fama

Fuente de la Fama, also known as the Fountain of Fame was built in 1732 under the reign of Felipe V de Borbón. The main purpose of the fountain was to embellish the town and improve its water supply. The fountain was constructed by Pedro de Ribera and was nicknamed as the fountain of Anton Martin, due to the fact that it stands on the eponymous square. The monument features spirals from the base, held by four mythological dolphins, all way to the top. At the top, there is a winged figure proclaiming triumph with a trumpet. In 1941, the fountain was moved from Pedro de Ribera square to the square of the Museum of HIstory of Madrid.

Fuente de la Fama

Address: Calle Barceló, 2D, 28004 Madrid, Spain

8. Fuente de la Cruz Verde

Designed by Martín López Aguado, Fuente de la Cruz Verde is a monumental complex whose name is derived from the plaza where it stands. The monument features three parts which are separated by white stones, the central one being a little higher than the lateral ones. Inside the fountain, there are seven pipes, five pipes are located at the front of the fountain, while each side has one. The most notable features of the fountain are the sculpture of Diana which also features two dolphins at the feet of Diana. The fountain also has the shield of the city and below it is an inscription recalling the dates that this monument was inaugurated.

Fuente de la Cruz Verde

Address: Plaza de la Cruz Verde, 2, 28005 Madrid, Spain

9. Fuente del Nacimiento del Agua

Fuente del Nacimiento del Agua or Fountain of Water was built in the northern part of Plaza de Espana during one of the many renovations in 1969. The granite part of the fountain was designed by architect Manuel Herrero Palacios, while sculptor Antonio Campillo did the bronze sculptures of naiads. At the centre of the fountain, the water is sprayed up with the help of a series of multi-jet nozzles and spills over the inner elliptical basin which forms two scallop shells. Each of the scallop shells has a kneeling statue of naiads holding a pitcher in their hands as they pour water on the shells.

Fuente del Nacimiento del Agua

Address: Calle de la Princesa, 20, 28013 Madrid, Spain

Website: Fuente del Nacimiento del Agua

10. Apollo Fountain

This statue of the god of music is one of the best classics erected in Spain. In this fountain, Apollo appears to be carrying a lyre and can be seen with allegorical sculptures of the four seasons. This is because he is the god responsible for the birth and change of seasons. Due to the importance of this fountain, the project was executed by several sculptors. The final realization was done by Manuel Álvarez in 1781, but he was unable to complete the figure of Apollo as he died in 1797. The fountain of Apollo was finally finished in 1802 after King Carlos IV and his wife ordered its completion so as to inaugurate the monument during the wedding of Prince of Asturias. The main function of the Fountain of Apollo was to encourage the development of culture and science.

Apollo Fountain

Address: Paseo del Prado, s/n, 28014 Madrid, Spain

Discover the fountains of Madrid

These fountains not only offer a cool respite from the sunny Spanish climate–they are also small remnants of the country’s rich culture. If you find yourself in Madrid, stop by these architectural gems all over the city to recognize the hard work, creativity, and history that goes into each beautiful and intricate fountain.