Who built La Foncalada and when was it constructed?

La Foncalada was built during the reign of Alfonso III the Great between 866-910 during the High Middle Ages. It stands as a unique example of civil construction from this era, designed specifically to protect and provide public access to a natural drinking water spring in Oviedo.

What architectural features does La Foncalada have?

The structure features a rectangular stone pool covered by an ashlar construction with a distinctive stilted barrel vault arch and a gable roof. The semicircular arch is cambered and divided into large keystones, with some ashlars bearing religious inscriptions carved into them.

What is the religious significance of the sculpture on La Foncalada?

The front of La Foncalada displays a relief sculpture of the Victory cross with alpha and omega symbols hanging from its arms, representing early Christian symbolism. This religious artwork, combined with the inscriptions on the ashlars, emphasizes the spiritual importance of this water source in medieval Asturian society.

Is La Foncalada a UNESCO World Heritage site?

Yes, La Foncalada is part of Oviedo's historic resources and the Kingdom of Asturias, which have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This recognition underscores its exceptional value as a medieval monument and important cultural landmark.

What makes La Foncalada historically significant as a medieval structure?

La Foncalada is a rare and unique example of public-use civil construction from the High Middle Ages, combining practical water management with sophisticated architectural design and religious symbolism. Its preservation demonstrates the sophisticated engineering and aesthetic sensibilities of Alfonso III's reign in early medieval Asturias.

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La Foncalada

Name: La Foncalada
Rating: 4.1

C. Foncalada, s/n, 33001 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain• ★★★★☆• 126 views

Serena Tassi

Oviedo

About La Foncalada

This is a unique example of a civil construction intended for public use dating from the High Middle Ages. It is part of the historic resources of the city of Oviedo and the Kingdom of Asturias, designated World Heritage by UNESCO. It was built during the reign of Alfonso III the Great (866-910) and protects a natural drinking water spring that rises directly out of the ground. It is collected in a pool covered by an ashlar structure with a rectangular floorplan and an arch with a stilted barrel vault, and finished in a gable roof. The front bears a sculpture in relief of the Victory cross with the alpha and omega hanging from its arms. The semicircular arch is cambered and divided into large keystones. Some of the ashlars have religious inscriptions.