Fountains and washhouse of Fuentespalda

This water complex in Fuentespalda is truly remarkable, comprising two fountains, a drinking trough and a washhouse. It is a tangible example of the importance of water in rural life in the Matarraña region.

The "Font de la Vila" (town fountain) is the first you encounter, and although an inscription of 1872 is attributed to it, its origins are likely far older. This complex follows the Renaissance model that spread across the comarca during the early modern period. It consists of a fountain, a drinking trough and a washhouse, always arranged in that specific order. This layout allowed the surplus water from the fountain to be used for watering animals, and the drinking trough also served as a channel to carry water to the washhouse. This model can be found in other villages of the comarca, such as Calaceite, Peñarroya de Tastavins and Valjunquera.

A little further away, we find the "Canyella" fountain, which probably went through several phases of construction. The oldest part is the inner fountain with a pointed arch and vault, dating back to the Gothic style and possibly built between the 13th and 15th centuries. It was later extended with a barrel-vault structure providing access.

Until the installation of the water mains in the village homes in 1950-51, these fountains and the washhouse were centres of great activity for the inhabitants. Beyond their primary function of water supply, they played an important role as centres of social interaction for the community; even today, they remain common gathering places, especially for seeking cool shade on hot days. Other springs in the surroundings of the village include the "d'Empeguera" spring and the Molino del Aceite spring.