La pila del mono, Colonial water fountain in Plaza Mayor, Tunja, Colombia
La Pila del Mono is a stone fountain located in the main plaza of Tunja, Colombia, featuring an octagonal base and detailed sculptural ornamentation. The structure displays carved shields and a figure at its top that crowns the composition.
The fountain was constructed in 1583 by royal authorities and originally functioned as a water supply point for the region. The system used an engineering design that brought water from distant rural areas to the city center.
The term 'Mono' in the fountain's name refers to people with light hair rather than a monkey, reflecting colonial Spanish terminology.
The fountain sits on the central plaza and is easily accessible on foot, making it a natural stopping point during city exploration. The ground is flat and the location offers good views of the surrounding historic buildings.
The water system was engineered using Roman aqueduct principles and sourced from multiple rural springs in the surrounding area. This early engineering achievement shows how Spanish colonists adapted ancient technology to the Andean highlands.
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