Fuente Juan de Uzeta Totana
Built in the eighteenth century, this was the main central supply of running water in the town
The Fuente de Juan de Uzeta is located right in the heart of the town of Totana in the Plaza de la Constitución, and was originally built as a central point from which water was supplied in the centre of the town during the eighteenth century.
Unlike other plazas in central areas of major towns in the Murcia Region, this fountain is not located in the geometric centre of the plaza, but sits to one side, with other important buildings from the same period surrounding it, namely the Ayuntamiento (town hall), the Iglesia de Santiago Apóstol and the Casa de Contribuciones.
The main reason for this is that the Plaza de la Constitución was built in the sixteenth century to adapt to the needs of the town as it grew, whereas the fountain was not built in its current format until the eighteenth century.
During this period central plazas were used for a number of purposes, including festivities and even public executions, so the fountain was placed on one side to ensure the space in front of the major buildings was as multifunctional as possible.
Fountains were a necessary rather than decorative element of any major town centre, providing a water source for the townspeople, who lacked the modern luxury of running water piped to their homes, and also to water livestock.
In this case, provision was made to bring the water into the centre of the town from the natural water source in the fuente de la Carrasca in the Sierra Espuña in 1750.
This fountain was designed in the baroque style by the sculptor Juan de Uzeta, originally from Granada but working in Lorca, and was built between 1751 and 1753. It sits on a hexagonal base, with 18 water outlets, made from red marble, supporting a second water level fed by further water pipes sprouting from the mouths of a sculptural group of cherubs and putti.
This is then topped with a medallion of white stone bearing the escudo, or coat of arms of Totana, completed with the motif of the Cross of Santiago, linking to the Order of Santiago which forms such an important part of the history of Totana.
Click for more information about the municipality of Totana.
Oficina de Turismo de Totana
The Tourist Information Office in Totana is in Plaza de la Balsa Vieja, having moved from its former location in the the Town hall, and is right in the heart of the older quarter of Totana, a one minute walk from the main underground carparking.
The tourist office is able to supply town maps, and information about the walking options within the Sierra Espuña and places of local interest to visit. The town has a number of churches and monuments which offer a pleasant walk with a stop-off for coffee and the weekly town market is popular with local expats.
Totana is famous for its local ceramic manufacturers, and the Tourist office can supply a list of working ceramicists and locations where local ceramic products can be purchased. These are surprisingly well-priced, and the local artesans are able to manufacture personalised designs and housename plaques to order.
The most important tourist attraction in Totana is the La Bastida Argaric archaeological site, which can be visited by groups or individuals by prior arrangement with the tourist office.
Totana Tourist information office
Plaza de la Balsa Vieja
30850
Totana (Murcia)
Tel: 968 418 153 (calls go through the town hall, ask for the Oficina de Turismo)
Fax: 968 418 183
Totana Tourist Office Opening Hours:
From Monday to Friday 08:00 to 15:00, Saturdays from 09:00 to 14:00 and closed on Sunday
Where is Totana?
Totana is in the South-west area of Murcia, 40 minutes from the capital City of Murcia, 30-40 minutes from the San Javier airport and about 1.15 minutes from Alicante airport. It is 30km from the coast and the beaches of Mazarrón. At the foot of the Sierra Espuña, it is in the heart of the Guadalentin valley, and well connected, both by road and rail.
It borders with Mula to the north, Alhama de Murcia to the east, Mazarrón and Lorca to the south and Aledo to the west.
Click for map, Totana , Murcia
