Fuente de los Caños de San Francisco
A historic 17th-century fountain in Avilés' old town, featuring six expressive human-head gargoyles spouting water.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Fuente de los Caños de San Francisco
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 17th-century fountain in Avilés' old town, featuring six expressive human-head gargoyles spouting water.
"Interesting fountain with faces that look like they are vomiting and suffering eternally."
📸 Capture the Expressions
The gargoyles' faces are quite unique! Try to get close-ups to show their 'suffering' or 'vomiting' expressions. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Wander the Old Town
The fountain is just one part of Avilés' charm. Explore Galiana Street and other nearby historic areas. :walking:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Six Gargoyles
Fuente de los Caños de San Francisco
Six human heads spout water, each with a unique, expressive, and somewhat unsettling visage.
Coat of Arms Embellishments
Above the gargoyles
Three coats of arms, including those of Avilés and Castile, adorn the fountain's upper section.
Plaza de España
Adjacent to the fountain
The fountain is a centerpiece in this lively square, surrounded by historic buildings and the Church of San Nicolás de Bari.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Exploring the Old Town
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Expressions
The gargoyles' faces are quite unique! Try to get close-ups to show their 'suffering' or 'vomiting' expressions. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Wander the Old Town
The fountain is just one part of Avilés' charm. Explore Galiana Street and other nearby historic areas. :walking:
🤔 Interpret the Faces
See if any of the water-spouting faces remind you of people you know! It's a fun, quirky detail. :thinking_face:
📍 Central Location
It's conveniently located in the old town, making it an easy stop while exploring. :round_pushpin:
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Expressions
The gargoyles' faces are quite unique! Try to get close-ups to show their 'suffering' or 'vomiting' expressions. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Wander the Old Town
The fountain is just one part of Avilés' charm. Explore Galiana Street and other nearby historic areas. :walking:
🤔 Interpret the Faces
See if any of the water-spouting faces remind you of people you know! It's a fun, quirky detail. :thinking_face:
📍 Central Location
It's conveniently located in the old town, making it an easy stop while exploring. :round_pushpin:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Fuente de los Caños de San Francisco to be an interesting and unique historical fountain in Avilés' charming old town. Its expressive gargoyles are a memorable feature, though some find them a bit unsettling. It's a great free stop for appreciating local history and art.
"Little fountain neat the church. If it was made in our times it would be a symbol of any discussion in Facebook 😬🙂"
Olga S
"Fountain in the old town of Aviles in Asturias. It is fun to see whether any of the gargoyles with water pouring out of their mouths remind you of anyone."
Julian Worker
"Interesting fountain, I believe from the 17th century, in which the jets are faces, located in the very interesting square where the church of San Nicolás de Bari is located and which gives access to another of the beautiful streets of Avilés, Galiana Street."
Fernando Rodriguez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The fountain is located in the heart of Avilés' old town, specifically in the Plaza de España. It's easily accessible on foot if you're exploring the pedestrianized historic center. If arriving by car, look for parking garages on the outskirts of the old town and walk in.
Yes, Avilés has a bus station and a train station that are a short walk (around 10-15 minutes) from the old town and the fountain. This makes it convenient to reach from other cities in Asturias.
No, the old town of Avilés is largely pedestrianized. You cannot drive directly to the fountain. Park in a nearby public car park and enjoy a pleasant walk into the historic center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Fuente de los Caños de San Francisco is a public monument located in the Plaza de España. There is no admission fee, and you can view it at any time.
As an outdoor public fountain, it is accessible 24/7. However, to best appreciate its details and the surrounding plaza, visiting during daylight hours is recommended.
No, the Plaza de España is a public square and there is no entrance fee to access it or the fountain.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon light provides softer shadows and a more atmospheric glow for photographs. Midday sun can be harsh.
Try shooting from slightly below to emphasize the gargoyles' expressions, or from a wider angle to capture the fountain within the context of the Plaza de España and the surrounding architecture.
Yes, the fountain is illuminated at night, offering a different, more dramatic photographic opportunity. The surrounding plaza also has ambient lighting.
🎫 🏛️ History & Significance
The exact construction date is uncertain, but theories place its inauguration between 1593 and 1617, making it a significant historical monument in Avilés.
The fountain features six water spouts in the form of human heads, often described as gargoyles. Above them are three coats of arms, representing Avilés and Castile.
It's a testament to the historical importance of Avilés as a port city. The fountain likely served a practical purpose for water supply in its early days and is now a key artistic and historical feature.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Combine your visit with a stroll through the wider old town, which is full of interesting architecture and open spaces. It's a great way to break up a day of sightseeing and introduce children to historical landmarks in a fun, accessible way.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Pairing a visit to the fountain with exploring Avilés' charming old town, which is also free to wander, offers a rich cultural experience without significant cost. You can enjoy the atmosphere, architecture, and the unique gargoyles as part of a delightful, cost-effective day out.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Artistry of the Gargoyles
These expressive faces are a key reason why the fountain is considered interesting and memorable. They invite interpretation and are a focal point for photography, with many visitors trying to capture the distinct character of each head. The contrast between the historical significance and the somewhat unsettling imagery is a recurring theme in visitor experiences.
Beyond the gargoyles, the fountain is adorned with three coats of arms, including those of Avilés and Castile, further anchoring it to the region's history. This blend of practical water provision and symbolic decoration makes it a rich piece of public art.
Exploring Avilés' Historic Old Town
Adjacent to the fountain is the Plaza de España, a vibrant square that serves as a hub for local life and a gateway to other significant sites, including the Church of San Nicolás de Bari. From here, you can easily wander down streets like Calle Galiana, renowned for its elegant buildings and lively atmosphere.
Avilés' old town offers a delightful experience for those who enjoy history, architecture, and a relaxed urban exploration. The fountain is an excellent starting point for a journey through the city's past, with many other discoveries awaiting around every corner.
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