The Martos Project will centre around the conservation of the sixteenth century fountain, Fuente Nueva, integrated with the planning of the urban regeneration of the surrounding area.
The Fuente Nueva was designed, in the Mannerist style, by architect and sculptor Francisco del Castillo and completed in 1586. The front elevation is divided in three bands decorated with shields. The upper part finish is a pediment with volutes on both sides. There are two separate basins: the smaller upper one for human use and the larger lower one for animals.
In places like the historic centre of Martos, where the topography slopes steeply, public fountains were necessary to supply the population and livestock, as they were the only way to retain water.
The Fuente Nueva depicting the shield of Philip II, flanked by the Shield of Martos and the Shield of Governor Aboz (source: Diadrasis)
The elaborate ornamentation on the Fuente Nueva is typical of the place and era, as the locality was experiencing remarkable prosperity by comparison to surrounding regions, due to the fertile lands.
The fountain has unfortunately fallen into disrepair, with adhoc stabilisation works seemingly having been undertaken in order to retard further deterioration.
Metal ties have been used to retard further deterioration (source: Diadrasis)
Restoring this fountain to its former glory, and re-cementing it as the centrepiece of the local community will certainly be a challenge, but one I’m looking forward to sinking my teeth into!
Tags: conservation, Fuente Nueva, mannerist style, Martos, Spain, urban regeneration
