Fuente de San Isidro, Drinking fountain in Carabanchel, Madrid, Spain
The Fuente de San Isidro is a historic drinking fountain in the Carabanchel neighborhood of Madrid, located close to the Ermita de San Isidro. It sits in a simple outdoor setting with benches and a small green area, and the water flows freely for anyone to drink.
The spring is said to have existed since the 12th century, with legend holding that San Isidro Labrador caused the water to flow by pressing his staff into the ground. In 1528, Empress Isabel of Portugal had a chapel built nearby after attributing healing properties to the water.
The fountain is closely tied to Madrid's patron saint, and many neighborhood residents still drink from it, especially around May 15, when the city celebrates his feast day. In local tradition, the water is said to have healing qualities, and some visitors come just to take a little home with them.
The fountain is open every day and free to visit. It is within walking distance of the Marqués de Vadillo metro station on line 5, making it easy to reach from the city center.
Long before the nearby chapel was built, farmers and ordinary people drank from this spring, but the reported recovery of Emperor Charles V and the future King Philip II from illness after drinking the water gave the source its lasting fame. That royal episode is one reason the site has been carefully maintained across the centuries.
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