Azkoitia's Emblematic Barrels Fountain to be Restored in Four Weeks

The Azkoitia City Council has initiated restoration work on the Barrels Fountain, with an investment of 18,029 euros, to ensure its preservation.

Facade of Azkoitia town hall, in sunlight.
IA

Facade of Azkoitia town hall, in sunlight.

The Azkoitia City Council has commenced the restoration of the emblematic Barrels Fountain, a project expected to last four weeks with an investment of 18,029 euros, aimed at preserving the monument's historical value and ensuring its conservation.

The restoration work, which has already begun, is estimated to take four weeks and involves a budget of 18,029 euros. The primary goal is to ensure the monument's conservation, respecting its historical patina and adhering to principles of minimal intervention.
Planned actions include cleaning the stone and joints, removing deteriorated cementitious mortars, and applying a biological treatment to eliminate algae and moss. Additionally, the spout will be repaired to ensure the fountain's proper functioning.
Located in Jesusen Bihotz Agurgarria Square, the Barrels Fountain forms a valuable heritage complex alongside the Etxe-Beltz Palace and the parish church. It is a semi-detached neoclassical fountain, crafted from grey limestone and dated to 1831. It is notable for its two barrels, from which water flows into a rectangular basin, and for the large neoclassical vase that crowns the ensemble atop a column drum.
The work is attributed to the academic Lascurain and represents one of Azkoitia's most iconic symbols. It is also considered a unique example of hydraulic architecture, with its decorative design anticipating later solutions.

"The construction of the fountain responded to an urgent need."

The Councillor for Heritage and Tourism
As recalled by the Councillor for Heritage and Tourism, the fountain's construction addressed an urgent need. Following the approval of the project presented by Mariano José Lascuraín, the work was put up for public auction on March 20, 1831, and awarded to a resident of Elgoibar for 9,900 vellon reales.
Throughout its history, the Barrels Fountain has changed location. Although it is currently situated next to the Urola River, in the area where the old Ronda began, it was originally in Idiacaiz square, also known as the butchers' square due to the commercial activity that took place there. This space now corresponds to the area known as Plazaberri.