Welcome to Madrid

Originally located at the Atocha roundabout, this fountain was very popular among those travelling to Madrid, as it was one of the first monuments they saw when they left the station.

Made of granite and white stone, it formed part of Ventura Rodríguez’s project to renovate the Salón del Prado during the reign of Carlos III. As it was obstructing the flow of traffic, it was decided in 1880 to move it to Plaza de Honduras in the Retiro Park, near the Fuente de los Galápagos beside the lake.

 The monument features some of the most characteristic baroque motifs, including marine deities, plants and water, as an indispensable element for life. At the top of the fountain an artichoke can be seen, a plant much appreciated for its medicinal properties and culinary use. Flanking a round base, a triton and a nereid are holding up the city’s coat of arms.

In 1987, as part of the works to renovate the Glorieta de Carlos V, the decision was made to place a reproduction of the Fuente de la Alcachofa in the centre of the roundabout.