Fuente de Vázquez de Mella

The Plaza de Pedro Zerolo (before Vázquez de Mella and before Bilbao) has as its only ornamental element a fountain that does not occupy a prominent space, but which is beautifully crafted. The monument is dedicated to the politician, writer and philosopher Juan Vázquez de Mella. His bust presides over the fountain. At the foot of the column are bronze sculptures of children. The water flows from a central lion mask and two mythological taps. It was inaugurated on 24 July 1946, when the square was also given its name. The complex was built by the Granda Buylla Art workshops. As a car park was built there that exceeded the surface area of the square, the fountain changed location. It returned to its place when the building was demolished.

Text and photos by Antonio Castro Jiménez, Chronicler of the City of Madrid.