La pila del mono, Colonial water fountain in Plaza Mayor, Tunja, Colombia
The stone fountain structure features an octagonal base with carved shields and a statue of Saint John the Baptist at its summit.
Built in 1583 by the Royal Audience, this fountain served as the first public water source for Santa Fe de Bogota's residents.
The term 'Mono' in the fountain's name refers to people with light hair rather than a monkey, reflecting colonial Spanish terminology.
The fountain stands at 2820 meters above sea level and maintains an average temperature of 12 degrees Celsius throughout the year.
Water for this fountain system originated from the Varon and Tras del Alto rural areas through an engineering design inspired by Roman aqueducts.
GPS coordinates: 5.53333,-73.36667
Latest update: March 19, 2025 22:19
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