The Fuente de Híspalis: Seville’s Fountain of the Peeing Children

The Fuente de Híspalis, its official name, was commissioned by Seville City Council in 1928 for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition. This impressive sculptural ensemble was designed by Juan Bautista Míguez Roca and made by sculptor Manuel Delgado Brackenbury.

Opened in 1929, the fountain soon became a city symbol. In its original design, alongside the central figure personifying Seville, four additional children stood around the basin, each holding a shell that spouted water. The way the water flowed gave it the popular nickname Fuente de los Meones, or the fountain of the peeing children.

At the top is a sculpture of a nereid in a tunic, seated on a lotus flower, accompanied by six children riding giant turtles. These details symbolise the city’s slow but steady progress. Beside the nereid are a cogwheel representing industry, a caduceus for commerce and leaves evoking agriculture. The central figure’s thoughtful pose reflects Seville’s close connection with its past.

In the 1970s, the fountain was dismantled during work on the metro. After that project was cancelled, the fountain returned to its original location, but the figures of the children—the famous meones—had disappeared. Their story remained unresolved until 2015, when the children were restored to the fountain, bringing back part of its original design.

Since its creation, the Fuente de Híspalis has been an emblem of Seville, reflecting its progress, history and spirit. More than an architectural landmark, it is part of the Andalusian capital’s cultural heritage and a stop for visitors who want to discover the city’s character and rich past.

The fountain has also inspired artists, writers and photographers, who have found endless creativity in its forms and flowing water. Its full restoration has allowed residents and visitors to appreciate its beauty and meaning once again.

Have you visited our Seville souvenir shop?
Find more old photographs of Seville in our Facebook group. Take home a memory of this landmark, which continues to captivate those who see it.