Plaza del Font谩n (Fontan Square), Oviedo

Plaza del Font谩n (Fontan Square), Oviedo (must see)

Fontan Square is a pleasant place in the middle of Oviedo鈥檚 Old Town. The word "fontan" translates to source spring. From the beginning of the city of Oviedo, the source spring created a natural lagoon on the outskirts of town, supplying the area's water needs. It was soon converted into a recreation area for the town's nobility. While the nobles were entertaining themselves, the peasants came to the square to sell their goods.

The peasants brought dairy products, vegetables, cheeses, chickens, and what-have-you. Soon came craftsmen like farriers, basket makers, leather workers, etc. Everybody was using the pool. Things became unsanitary. In 1559 the spring was capped, and a laundry and fountain were installed. The plaza became the suburban commercial center of Oviedo.

Today the square is a bustling place of daily markets, historic buildings, and a fountain. It is a friendly place for shopping, tasting delicacies, and people-watching. Indoor shops, cafes, and restaurants surround the market square. The popular drink is cider, poured skillfully from overhead by a waiter.

Musical performances take place on weekends. There are bagpipes, flutes, and dancers dressed in traditional costumes, moving to the beat.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Oviedo. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Sight Name: Plaza del Font谩n (Fontan Square)
Sight Location: Oviedo, Spain (See walking tours in Oviedo)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Oviedo Introduction Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Oviedo, Spain

Create Your Own Walk in Oviedo

Creating your own self-guided walk in Oviedo is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Oviedo Historic Architecture

The north Spanish region of Asturias and particularly its capital city, Oviedo, have long been noted for their unique architecture. The medieval part of town, whose ancient walls are still largely intact, contains some truly priceless relics. Among them is a well called La Foncalada, a fascinating example of an effective hydraulic system, dating back to the first half of the 9th century, based on... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles

Oviedo Public Art Walking Tour

Public art adds a great deal of vibrancy and character to the cityscape of Oviedo, Spain, reflecting, among other things, its contemporary spirit. From the bustling Plaza Trascorrales to the serene Plaza Porlier De Oviedo, numerous sculptures have long become an integral part of the neighborhood, captivating passers-by in their numbers.

In Plaza Trascorrales, sculptures like The Fishwife and... view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles

Oviedo Introduction Walking Tour

The Kingdom of Asturias began in 720, with the Visigothic revolt against Muslim rule led by the nobleman Pelagius. At that time, the city of Oviedo did not exist. Two monks, Maximo and Fromestano, founded the city in 761. They built a small church for Saint Vincent on a bare hillside, and from this seed, Oviedo grew.

After Pelagius died in 737, King Alfonso I founded a dynasty in Oviedo that... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles

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