Fountain of the Sixteen Dolls

Built in 1913, after a few years a sort of column was added to the fountain, topped by a statue representing the symbol of justice. However, this statue was demolished in 1931 during the Second Republic. The new ‘Fuente de los 16 Chorros’ (Fountain of the 16 Jets) was inaugurated during the patron saint festivities in October 1951. It was raised so that it was at the same level as the square, thus eliminating the steps that previously had to be lowered to access it. In addition, decorative panels were added, and it is still preserved in this way today.

The fountain is closely linked to its patron saint, the Virgen de la Fuente. According to tradition, in 1708 a woodcutter and fisherman named Senent Pla found a small wooden box floating downstream in the town’s river, the river Serpis. Inside the box was a carved wooden figure of a virgin. This image was used to take to the sick, and with her prayers, cures were produced. In 1712, a severe drought hit the town, endangering crops and livestock. At that time, the town’s parish priest decided to place the image of the Virgin in the fountain of the spring, and shortly afterwards the water began to flow again.

After this event, considered a miracle, the sculpture disappeared and, months later, was found in the trunk of a mulberry tree. To prevent it from disappearing again, a chapel was built to protect it. It has only been removed at very specific times, such as during the Civil War, when it was hidden in the house of a local resident.