Landmark
La Foncalada
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La Foncalada is a remarkable survivor from the early Middle Ages, located in the heart of Oviedo. This stone fountain, built by King Alfonso III, is the only known pre-Romanesque civil engineering work still standing in Europe. Its name comes from the Latin 'fontem calatam' (channeled fountain). The structure features a rectangular basin and a roofed canopy supported by arches, with a carved cross on the gable. Visitors can see the original stonework and the simple yet elegant design that has supplied water for over a thousand years. The fountain is set in a small square, surrounded by modern buildings, creating a striking contrast between ancient and contemporary. It's a quiet spot, often overlooked by tourists, offering a tangible connection to Oviedo's early history.
Don't miss
- Examine the original 9th-century stonework and canopy
- Look for the carved cross on the gable, a symbol of its royal patronage
- Appreciate the contrast between the ancient fountain and surrounding modern buildings
- Photograph the fountain's reflection in the basin
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit La Foncalada
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inOVIEDO SCARY! Legends and Mysteries Tour4.9★ · 234 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$12 per personSee dates →
Best full dayLakes of Covadonga, Onis Cangas and Ballasts Tour from Oviedo4.7★ · 97 travelers~12 hoursFree cancellationFrom$55 per personSee dates →More attractions in Oviedo