Pilón de los Burros

Pilón de los Burros is a historic watering trough in Cartagena, in Spain's Murcia region. It stands on the Plaza de España, right in the heart of the city, and although no water flows from it today, it still tells the story of a time when Cartagena's daily life ran on farm work and animal-powered transport.

Where does this monument come from?

The earliest references to the trough appear in municipal records dated May 19, 1593, making it one of the longest-documented pieces of everyday infrastructure in the city. It originally stood in the San Roque neighborhood, in an area that corresponds today to Calle del Carmen. Locals and their pack animals — mainly donkeys, which gave the trough its name ("de los Burros") — relied on it, since donkeys were the main way of moving goods around the city and its surroundings.

At the end of the 18th century, when the walls ordered by King Charles III were built, the trough was relocated to an open area in front of the old Puerta de Madrid (Madrid Gate). That spot corresponds to today's Plaza de España, where the trough still stands.

How did it survive to today?

Through much of the 20th century, the trough fell into neglect. That changed in 1985, when local writer Juan Mediano Durán launched a radio program called "Desde el Pilón de los Burros," dedicated to Cartagena's local traditions. The program drew public attention to the forgotten monument and kicked off a campaign to restore it.

The effort paid off: on September 29, 1990, the trough was formally restored and reinaugurated on the Plaza de España — this time as an ornamental fountain rather than a working watering point for animals.

What will you see there?

Today the Pilón de los Burros is dry and modest compared with Cartagena's grander monuments, but its simplicity and backstory are exactly what make it worth a stop. It is a small stone basin that has quietly witnessed more than four centuries of city life — from an era when transport depended on animal power, through the reshaping of the city walls, to its 20th-century revival.

The site sits on Plaza de España, an easily accessible spot in central Cartagena, surrounded by other historic landmarks and tourist points of interest.

How do you get there?

Plaza de España is in the very center of Cartagena, within walking distance of the harbor and the main sights of the old town, such as the Roman Theatre and the Castillo de la Concepción. The site is open year-round and free to visit — an easy stop to fold into a walk between the city's other landmarks, with no need to plan a special trip.

When is the best time to visit?

Since the trough is a small, open-air feature on a public square, it can be seen at any time of year or day. It's best paired with a walk through the nearby old town — morning or late afternoon, when temperatures in Murcia are more comfortable for exploring on foot.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee? No, the Pilón de los Burros is free to visit year-round, as part of the public space on Plaza de España.

Does the trough still hold water? No, the fountain is currently dry. It now serves as a historical landmark and decorative feature of the square rather than a working trough.

Where does the name "de los Burros" come from? The name refers to the donkeys that once used the trough — these animals were the main means of transporting goods in and around Cartagena.

Is it worth combining with other sights? Yes — Plaza de España is close to the old town's main landmarks, so the trough makes an easy short stop while exploring central Cartagena.