Situated in Madrid’s La Latina neighborhood, this decorative fountain is a popular meeting hub among locals. What few realize, however, is that La Fuentecilla was constructed from the remnants of another older fountain from the 17th century. Some historians believe that the statue of the lion contains materials from an old Premonstratensian Convent, which was destroyed during Spanish War of Independence.

Standing 4.5 meters high, the Fuentecilla was designed by the architect Alfonso Rodríguez in 1816. It was intended to pay homage to King Ferdinand VII’s entry into Madrid after his exile in France.

On the front, a plaque reads: “To Fernando VII, the desired, the City Council of the heroic town of Madrid, Mayor, the Count of Motezuma, year of MDCCCXV.” Under the plate are the figures of a dragon and a bear, alluding to the old and current shields of the city.