The Plaza del Obispo Fountain in Málaga

Previously known as Plazuela de Gracián de Aguirre

From at least the late 16th century, there was a public fountain in what was also known as the Marquesa's square. This quaint square underwent a significant transformation in the mid-18th century, when one of its sides was taken over by the main facade of Málaga Cathedral and another by the new Episcopal Palace. From that point on, it started to be known as the Bishop's Square, and a stone fountain was placed in its centre.

The first mention of this fountain dates back to 1761, when a new supply pipe was installed, partly funded by Bishop José Franquis Lasso de Castilla, who also pledged to build a public fountain in this square. Years later, in 1786, it was supplied with water from the San Telmo Aqueduct.

The fountain consists of a circular pool with a wavy exterior profile, and a central shaft resembling a balustrade column with two diminishing fluted bowls, topped by a large pineapple from which the water flows, trickling into the lower bowl. The material is a beautiful veined grey marble, similar to that used in the facade of the Episcopal Palace, whose construction coincides with that of the fountain. The refurbishment carried out in the square in 1998 removed the small garden area that surrounded it, replaced by a smooth stone base like a large step.

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