La Foncalada facts for kids
Quick facts for kids La Foncalada |
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| General information | |
| Type | Fountain |
| Location | Oviedo (Asturias), Spain |
| Coordinates | 43°21′55.0″N 5°50′45.6″W / 43.365278°N 5.846000°W |
| Official name: La Foncalada | |
| Type: | Cultural |
| Criteria: | i, ii, iv |
| Designated: | 1985 (9th session) |
| Part of: | Monuments of Oviedo and the Kingdom of the Asturias |
| Reference #: | 312-006 |
| Region: | Europe and North America |
| Area: | 0.001 ha (0.0025 acres) |
| Buffer zone: | 1.58 ha (3.9 acres) |
The Foncalada is a very old fountain in Oviedo, Asturias, Spain. It was built by King Alfonso III of Asturias in the 9th century. This fountain is special because it is the only public building from the Early Middle Ages that is still standing. People used it to get fresh drinking water. Its name, "Foncalada," comes from the Latin words fontem calatam, which means "called fountain."
The Foncalada was built in a style called Pre-Romanesque. Because of its history and unique style, it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site List since 1998. This means it is considered very important to the world's history and culture.
It was first built near the old city walls, close to an ancient Roman road. The design at the top of the fountain shows the Victory Cross. This cross is a special symbol of Asturias.
About the Foncalada
This public fountain is owned by the Oviedo Town Hall. It was built over a natural spring. The water source is a rectangle about 4 metres (13 ft) wide. The fountain looks like a small, vaulted chapel. It is topped with the royal symbol of the Victory Cross.
Below the Asturian Cross, there are two old inscriptions. These words tell us about the fountain's purpose and meaning.
The first inscription says:
(Hoc Sign) O Tvetvr Pivs, Hoc Signo Vi (Ncitvr, Inimicvs)
"With this sign the pious are protected, With this sign you shall defeat the enemy"
This means that good people are safe under this sign. It also suggests that enemies can be defeated with its power.
The second inscription says:
(Signvm Salvtis Po) Ne Domine In Fonte (Ista Vt Non Permitas) Introire Angelvm Percv (Tientem)
"Lord, put the sign of the salvation on this fountain to not allow hitting angel to enter"
This prayer asks God to protect the fountain. It asks that no harm comes to it or those who use its water.
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The symbol of the Kingdom of the Asturias
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The Foncalada fountain in the city of Oviedo today
See also
In Spanish: Foncalada para niños
