Carranque Fuente

## Overview Carranque Fuente is a public drinking spring located near the town of Carranque in the province of Toledo, in the autonomous community of Castilla-La Mancha, Spain. Situated at coordinates 40.1895°N, 3.9510°W, this spring lies in the heart of the Spanish meseta — a vast, elevated plateau known for its continental climate and historically important water sources. Carranque itself is a municipality with deep historical roots, perhaps best known for the nearby Carranque Archaeological Park, which preserves remarkable Roman villa mosaics dating back to the 4th century AD. The presence of a natural spring in this area is consistent with the region's long history of settlement, as reliable freshwater sources were essential to both Roman and medieval communities across central Spain. Public fountains (*fuentes*) like this one have traditionally served as communal gathering points and vital water sources for local residents and travelers alike. The water from this spring has historically been used as a drinking water source by locals, though as with any natural spring, water quality can vary over time and with seasonal conditions. ## Directions 1. From Madrid, head south on the A-42 highway toward Toledo. 2. Take the exit toward Carranque (approximately 35 km southwest of Madrid). 3. Enter the town of Carranque and look for the public fountain, which is typically located in or near the town center. 4. GPS coordinates: **40.189512, -3.950982** — use these for precise navigation. *Note: These directions are based on the GPS coordinates provided and general knowledge of the area. Visitors are encouraged to confirm the exact location using the GPS coordinates in a mapping application.* ## What to Expect Carranque Fuente is a traditional public drinking fountain typical of small towns across central Spain. These *fuentes* are usually simple stone or metal spouts fed by a natural spring or underground water source, often found in a plaza or along a main road. The surrounding landscape is characteristic of the Castilla-La Mancha region — open plains, olive groves, and dry Mediterranean terrain. Summers can be hot and dry, while winters are cool, so plan your visit accordingly. Spring and autumn tend to offer the most pleasant conditions for exploring the area. If you're visiting the spring, consider combining your trip with a stop at the Carranque Archaeological Park, located just outside town, where you can view stunning Roman mosaics and the remains of a palatial villa believed to have been connected to Emperor Theodosius I. Water flow at traditional Spanish public springs can vary seasonally, with stronger flow typically occurring during wetter months (late autumn through spring). The spring has been reported to serve as a local drinking water source, but visitors should be aware that water quality is not guaranteed.