Seville's restoration project brings back the vibrancy of Santa Justa's decorative fountains and the resplendent Grand Plaza.
Seville, Spain - The City Council of Seville is embarking on an extensive restoration project of its iconic ornamental fountains, aiming to modernize the water management systems and enhance their visual appeal.
The project, scheduled to be completed in November, includes the reform of nine fountains across the city. Notable among them are the Pablo Picasso fountain in Santa Justa, two fountains in the Gran Plaza, and three fountains in the Prado de San Sebastián gardens.
The Pablo Picasso fountain is being renovated to ensure hygienic-sanitary conditions and prevent water leaks. Its basin is being impermeabilized with a cement-based membrane and cladding is being installed. The hydraulic circuits of the fountain are being replaced with stainless steel ones to prevent nutrient beds for bacteria like legionella.
Two underground machine rooms will be installed, one for each group of three fountains. The machine rooms will house the new stainless steel hydraulic circuits, sand filters, frequency-controlled variable speed pumps, and other necessary equipment.
In addition, the two fountains in the Gran Plaza are being equipped with a machine room, new stainless steel hydraulic circuits, and an automatic chlorination system. They will also receive a waterproofing of the basin, new electrical installation, and a new LED RGB lighting system.
The remaining six fountains, located along the avenue of the Cid and the street Diego de Rianño, were previously conditioned. The fountain of the gardens of Catalina de Ribera included the renewal of the electrical installation and the installation of a new hydraulic circuit. The fountain of the GUMA headquarters was reformed, providing it with a machine room, new stainless steel hydraulic circuits, and an automatic chlorination system.
The Prado Gardens, a strategic location in the Historic Complex, are part of the strategies for improving climatic comfort in tourist areas. The total investment for the restoration of the six fountains is 302,368.73 euros, while the total investment for the entire project is 568,395 euros. The pavements affected by the work will be replaced.
This comprehensive reform reflects Seville's commitment to preserving its rich historical heritage while incorporating modern technology. The new hydraulic circuits and LED lighting systems aim to optimize water management and enhance the visual impact of the fountains, respectively.
Given Seville’s rich history and tradition in water features dating back to the Almohad period and earlier Islamic-influenced garden technologies in al-Andalus—which included sophisticated irrigation systems for palaces and gardens—the modernization of fountains likely respects these historical precedents while implementing cutting-edge technology to align with sustainability goals and contemporary urban design standards.
For technical and project-specific data, consulting official Seville city planning or public works documents, or reports from companies contracted for the work, would be necessary.
The renovation of the Pablo Picasso fountain in Santa Justa and the installation of a machine room, new hydraulic circuits, and an automatic chlorination system in the two fountains in the Gran Plaza are part of efforts to modernize Seville's iconic fountains, blending fashion and lifestyle. The Prado de San Sebastián gardens, hosting three fountains undergoing renovation, become a stepping stone for incorporating home-and-garden design aesthetics into the overall project.
