The fountain’s water temperature is one of the highest in the Iberian Peninsula, consistently emerging at roughly 74°C.
The water contains high concentrations of chloride, sodium, and bromide, historically used for treating rheumatic conditions.
The lion figure carved into the stone was added later to represent the strength and medicinal power of the thermal springs.
The fountain has flowed continuously for centuries without human intervention to heat the water, as it is naturally geothermal.
The plaza where the fountain sits overlays the ruins of a Roman-era thermal complex that predates the 1581 fountain structure.
The Lion's Fountain (Font del Lleó) is a historic monument located in the heart of Caldes de Montbui, constructed in 1581 to provide public access to the town's thermal waters. It features a prominent stone lion sculpture from whose mouth hot mineral water, reaching temperatures of approximately 74°C, flows constantly. The fountain serves as the central point of the Plaça Font del Lleó, which sits atop the site of ancient Roman thermal baths. Its water has been utilized for centuries due to its high mineral content and therapeutic properties. The fountain's current structure remains a functional symbol of the town's long-standing spa history. It is positioned adjacent to the thermal bathing facilities and museum complexes that define the area's identity as a thermal hub.
From the center of the square looking toward the fountain with the historic stone buildings of the plaza in the background.
Bring a reusable thermal cup or bottle if you want to collect the water, but be cautious as it is extremely hot.
Visit the nearby thermal museum to understand the historical context of how the water from this fountain was distributed to private baths.
Avoid touching the water directly as it can cause burns due to its natural high temperature.
Attempting to drink the water directly from the fountain mouth without cooling it down first.
Do not block the fountain basin; it is a functional water source for residents, not just a decorative monument.
