What to see and visit in Villafranca de Córdoba

Fountain of the Dos Caños (Two Spouts)

The Fountain of the Two Spouts is the only surviving one of the three fountains built in the 18th century, when water was first channeled from the Sierra to Villafranca. Its design was approved by the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando, and today it stands as an example of a traditional urban fountain of the period in the province of Córdoba, intended both to supply water to residents and to provide drinking water for horses. The project began in 1791, and funds were still being allocated for its completion in 1801.

The fountain is built of granite slabs joined with mortar, reinforced at the top with metal clamps. On its short sides rise two square pilasters with chamfered edges, topped by pinnacles that were not part of the original design. From each pilaster flows a spout that pours water into a large basin. Until the late 20th century, below each spout there were stone platforms with a circular recess to rest water containers. The entire structure is surrounded by a cobblestone pavement set in mortar, forming a rectangular plan.

In addition to this fountain, two others were built at the time: one next to the Arco del Depósito and another, probably, in Cantareros Street. Before their construction, only two houses in the entire town had access to water. Records also mention other fountains that supplied the residents, some now gone—such as the Fuente de Cebrián or the Fuente de los Álamos (in present-day Enrique Herrera Street)—and others still standing, like the Fuente de la Pasadilla or the Fuente Agria.

Information sourced from the blog “Historia gráfica de Villafranca” by Joaquín Priego.