Híspalis Fountain

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The fountain was designed by the architect Aurelio Gómez Millán and completed in 1929 for the Ibero-American Exposition.

2. 2

   The bronze figure crowning the column is widely referred to as the 'Astarte' statue, though it is often colloquially identified as a symbolic representation of the city itself.

3. 3

   Híspalis was the official Roman name for Seville, derived from the earlier Tartessian name Spal.

4. 4

   The fountain sits on the site of a former gate that once formed part of the Almohad walls of Seville.

Overview

The Híspalis Fountain, located in the Puerta de Jerez square, serves as a prominent neoclassical landmark in the heart of Seville. It commemorates the city's Roman origins, as 'Híspalis' was the name of the settlement during the Roman period. The central column features a statue of the goddess Astarte, often associated with the foundation of the city. Water cascades into a circular basin, providing a focal point for the surrounding pedestrianized plaza. The fountain is flanked by historical buildings, including the Hotel Alfonso XIII, and marks the transition between the modern city center and the historic Santa Cruz quarter. It remains a primary navigational waypoint for residents and tourists traversing the central district.

Insider tips

• Visit during the early morning to photograph the monument without the heavy crowds that frequent the area during midday.

• Observe the fountain while seated at one of the surrounding café terraces to appreciate the blend of 1920s architecture and modern city life.