Lion's fountain, Hot spring fountain in Caldes de Montbui, Spain.
The Lion's Fountain is a hot spring fountain in Caldes de Montbui featuring a carved stone lion head as the water outlet. Mineral-rich thermal water flows from it at approximately 74 degrees Celsius (165 degrees Fahrenheit).
The stone lion head that spouts the water is the oldest part of the fountain, first documented in 1581. The structure was substantially renovated in 1822 and rebuilt in 1927–1928 by architect Manuel Raspall and sculptor Eusebi Arnau, who carved the crowning lion from Montjuïc stone. The remodelled fountain was inaugurated on 9 April 1928.
The fountain serves as a gathering place during local celebrations where people maintain long-standing traditions of collecting and using thermal water for health and household needs. It remains an important part of village life and identity.
The fountain sits in the Plaça del Lleó, the central square of the old town, reached by a double staircase flanked by large volutes and a low wall used as a bench. Water leaves the lion's mouth at about 70 to 74 °C, so fill containers carefully and keep hands away from the jet. The square is bordered by the streets Joan Samsó, Barcelona, Santa Susanna, Pont, Vic and Nou.
Before the 1928 rebuild, butchers and pork sellers scalded their tools and sheep's trotters in the hot water, and people plucked chickens here. In 1919 neighbours complained to the town council about the smell from the llobins soaking in the basins behind the fountain.
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