The fountain on Calle Mayor in Abanilla
The Fuente de la Calle Mayor was the main water supply of Abanilla from 1792 to 1880
One of the most attractive spots to stop on a stroll around the town centre of Abanilla is the Plaza de las Cortes, just 30 metres or so up the Calle Mayor from the Plaza de la Constitución and the Town Hall on the way to the Lugar Alto.
This little square features a large tiled fountain, which was first installed as the main source of drinking water for the town in 1792 after the previous fountain in the Vereda de la Cañada, behind the Moorish castle, dried up.
In 1880 another water source was discovered and used to supply the town wash-house, leaving the Calle Mayor site behind. But it was resurrected by the creation of the current decoration by Lorca ceramicist Lario, whose design includes a host of local references to the traditions of Abanilla: these include the cultivation and use of esparto grass, the lemon orchards, the trees of the Palmeral, and the Romería de la Santa Cruz which is held every 3rd May.
The fountain is visually very attractive and visitors can enjoy the detail and colour in the vibrant panels of colour, which is also excellent for those wishing to photograph a snapshot of rural life in the municipality.
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