Fontan Square (Oviedo)
Fontan Square, popularly known simply as “the Fontan”, is a square and street with a rectangular floor plan located in the old town of Oviedo. It owes its name to the spring, known as Fontan, that supplied the old lagoon in the surrounding area of the primitive city.
When Oviedo was first established, Fontan was a privileged area used by the Oviedo nobility, as well as by peasants who took advantage of the surroundings—i.e., the many people who visited the sector—to sell their goods. A fountain was built in 1559.
In the 18th century, the Oviedo City Council carried out a series of reforms that, in theory, would include the construction of a rectangular, open plaza with four entrances with about 40 floor-to-ceiling squares and a splendid perimeter colonnade. However, these plans were ultimately not implemented with the original design presented at the time by the famous architect Francisco Pruneda y Cañal.
The most ambitious reform was carried out between 1981 and 1996 when the square was demolished. The only aspect preserved was the corner where Ramón House is located. This is a famous cider house that underwent an important restoration.
This new reform included two adjoining squares, Velarde and Daoiz, where two Baroque palaces are located along with a porticoed space forming the new Fontan Square, as well as a new commercial area.
After this long restoration, Fontan Square is now considered one of the most important meeting points for visitors and tourists due to the significant amount of hospitality and commercial activity in its surroundings, including a wide variety of restaurants and bars.
When Oviedo was first established, Fontan was a privileged area used by the Oviedo nobility, as well as by peasants who took advantage of the surroundings—i.e., the many people who visited the sector—to sell their goods. A fountain was built in 1559.
In the 18th century, the Oviedo City Council carried out a series of reforms that, in theory, would include the construction of a rectangular, open plaza with four entrances with about 40 floor-to-ceiling squares and a splendid perimeter colonnade. However, these plans were ultimately not implemented with the original design presented at the time by the famous architect Francisco Pruneda y Cañal.
The most ambitious reform was carried out between 1981 and 1996 when the square was demolished. The only aspect preserved was the corner where Ramón House is located. This is a famous cider house that underwent an important restoration.
This new reform included two adjoining squares, Velarde and Daoiz, where two Baroque palaces are located along with a porticoed space forming the new Fontan Square, as well as a new commercial area.
After this long restoration, Fontan Square is now considered one of the most important meeting points for visitors and tourists due to the significant amount of hospitality and commercial activity in its surroundings, including a wide variety of restaurants and bars.
Location
What to see in Oviedo
