Ceramic panel of Saint isidore the Laborer

The ceramic panel of Saint Isidore the Laborer decorates the central section of the Fuente de los Siete Caños in Siete Aguas, a small town in the province of Valencia. This mosaic depiction of the patron saint of farmers is the most recognizable feature of the fountain, which is itself the symbol of the town.

What will you see there?

The panel is a ceramic mosaic set into the wall of the fountain, directly above the water spouts. The image of Saint Isidore is framed by clearly modernist-style decoration: tiles with floral motifs flank the figure on both sides, alongside two smaller mosaics of vases rendered in shades of blue. Below the saint's image sits another scene — a landscape with a river and houses — completing the composition. The layout gives the fountain, despite its modest size, the feel of a carefully planned ensemble rather than a random arrangement of tiles.

The fountain itself, known as the Fuente de los Siete Caños (Fountain of the Seven Spouts), takes its name from the number of outlets from which water flows. It draws on a spring that was sealed and protected following a restoration in 1930, which is why the water has run without interruption for decades. For residents of Siete Aguas, the site carries meaning beyond its looks — it is tied to the history of the area's earliest settlements.

How do you get there?

Siete Aguas lies in the comarca of Hoya de Buñol, on what was once the border between the Kingdom of Valencia and Castile. The easiest way to reach it is by car, along the route linking Valencia with Madrid, less than an hour's drive from the regional capital. The fountain with the panel sits within the town itself, so once you arrive, a short walk is all it takes to find it.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

Siete Aguas is a good base for rural and hiking tourism — the surrounding area is rich in natural terrain suited to outdoor activity. In the town itself, worth seeking out are the 18th-century neoclassical parish church of San Juan Bautista, the 13th-century hermitage of San Blas y Santa Bárbara, the medieval Palacio de los Menaguerra, and the 18th-century Puente Real y Concejil. Nearby, a trail connects more than a hundred local springs, including the Fuente del Retiro and Fuente de la Tejería — a natural extension for anyone interested in the fountains after visiting the Fuente de los Siete Caños.

When should you visit?

Spring and autumn are the best times to come, when temperatures suit walking the surrounding trails and the town itself is quieter. In summer, expect the high temperatures typical of inland Valencia province, though the proximity of green spaces takes some of the edge off compared with the coast.

Frequently asked questions

What does the ceramic panel in Siete Aguas depict? A mosaic of Saint Isidore the Laborer, patron saint of farmers, surrounded by floral motifs and a landscape scene.

Where exactly is the panel located? On the wall of the Fuente de los Siete Caños, the main fountain in the center of Siete Aguas.

Does visiting the fountain take long? No — viewing the panel and the fountain itself takes just a few minutes, though it's worth combining it with a walk around the town and its nearby monuments.

Is there anything else to see in Siete Aguas besides the fountain? Yes — the San Juan Bautista church, the San Blas y Santa Bárbara hermitage, a medieval palace, and a trail leading past numerous local springs.