Fuente de los Chorros

Fuente de los Chorros is a historic public fountain in Ojén, a small whitewashed town in the province of Málaga, Andalusia. It is not a grand monument on the scale of a cathedral or castle, but for the people of Ojén it works as a genuine symbol of the town, tied to its modest agricultural past.

Where exactly is the fountain?

The fountain stands on Plaza de Andalucía, one of the central squares of Ojén, right next to the parish church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación. It sits naturally along any walk through the old quarter, with its narrow whitewashed lanes typical of the "pueblos blancos" of this part of Andalusia. Coming from the church toward the town center, visitors reach the fountain almost without trying — no detour needed.

What is the history behind it?

The fountain was built in 1905, commissioned by Pedro Sánchez. Its name, "Chorros" (literally "spouts" or "jets"), describes its design: water flows from five separate spouts, four set into the main basin and a fifth positioned on the side. For decades it served as the primary source of drinking water for the residents of Ojén, before the town had modern piped infrastructure. It underwent a restoration in 2006, which preserved its historic appearance while stabilizing the structure.

Where does the water come from?

The water feeding Fuente de los Chorros originates at the Almadán spring, high up in the Sierra Blanca range above Ojén. After passing through the fountain, the water isn't simply discharged — it continues into a network of irrigation channels of Arab origin, still used to water the terraced orchards and gardens surrounding the town. This layout reflects how closely drinking water and agricultural water were once linked in Ojén: the fountain doubled as both a public water point for residents and the first stage of the local irrigation system.

How do you get there?

Ojén sits in the hills above the Costa del Sol, roughly 8 km from Marbella via the A-355 road. Driving is the easiest option — parking is available in and around the town, and it's a short walk from there to Plaza de Andalucía. Travelers without a car can use local bus connections from Marbella, though schedules can be infrequent, so it's worth checking timetables ahead of a visit. The square and fountain themselves are open year-round, free of charge, with no access restrictions.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

A visit to Fuente de los Chorros pairs naturally with a stop at the neighboring Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación church and a walk through Ojén's old center, known for its characteristic white architecture. It's a good starting point for exploring further — narrow streets, local tapas bars, and views toward the Sierra Blanca are all within a few minutes on foot.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee for the square with the fountain? No, Plaza de Andalucía and the fountain itself are freely accessible, with no tickets and no time restrictions.

Is the water from the fountain safe to drink? The fountain is now considered historic and decorative rather than a drinking-water source; the town's standard piped water supply covers that need today.

How much time should I plan for a visit? The fountain itself takes only 5–10 minutes to see, but combined with the nearby church and a walk through old Ojén, it's worth setting aside around an hour.

Can I reach it without a car? Yes — within Ojén itself the fountain is an easy walk from anywhere in town; only the trip from Marbella without a car requires relying on less frequent bus connections.