La Coriana Fountain

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This unique fountain never runs out of water, even in times of drought. It is easily recognisable by its white monolith, topped by a cross, and its watering trough. It appears to have played an essential role as a rest area at the intersection of three livestock trails: Cordel de los Carboneros, Cutón Grande and Colada de la Atalaya. Most livestock resting areas typically had a watering trough fed by a spring or another water source.

The La Coriana Fountain and its trough bear the imprint of works carried out in different periods in history, from the Moorish times to the most recent in the 1980s. The water reaches the fountain through a pipe that appears to run from the nearby high grounds known as Montijo and Las Laundrias.
For centuries, it has consistently supplied water to farmers and animals. The abundance of water of the springs that feed the fountain means that it never runs dry, even in times of severe drought. Parallel to the trough is two rows of vertically stacked stones of different sizes. Many of them are clearly ashlar blocks from Roman times.

The archaeological studies carried out in the area are based on the assumption that this was a resting place and recreational area. It was likely located next to the Roman road that connected Onuba (modern-day Huelva) and Hispalis (Seville), passing through Tejada. The road passed close to the La Coriana fountain on its way up to Las Laundrias. This fountain was probably the watering-place closest to the road to Hispalis. The place is strategically located on this route, a resting place before climbing to the Aljarafe plateau or after the descent before heading towards Campo de Tejeda.

Labels

Fountain

Watering place