Conchas Fountain, Madrid

Conchas Fountain is a monumental water feature displaying elaborate shell-motif designs and animal figures set within the Campo del Moro Gardens. It showcases sculptures of a boy and woman integrated into the garden landscape with refined stone carving details.

The fountain was built in 1776 by Felipe de Castro and Ventura Rodriguez during the development of the Royal Palace grounds. This represented a key phase in reshaping the palace gardens with major architectural additions.

The fountain incorporates natural elements including representations of the Common Fire Salamander and Chelonoidis nigra nigra into its stone composition.

The fountain is accessible daily within the garden grounds and can be reached easily from the main pathways. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer quieter viewing conditions within the surrounding gardens.

The work includes decorative elements featuring salamanders and reptilian figures that connect the sculpture to the natural life of the gardens. These animal details reflect artistic choices of the period to bring naturalistic elements into formal garden design.