The town of Fuente de Piedra is small, only 2,200 people live here, but it is beginning to thrive. Many British residents are moving to Fuente de Piedra for a quieter, less expensive way of life. The warm climate and friendly locals make this an up and coming community.

 

In the 1800s, a severe drought brought many industries to a stand still. People moved on to areas that offered better jobs. It is only in recent years that the population has begun to increase. Tourism, especially that of the birdwatchers coming to view the flamingos, is the key component to this new growth.

 

Located approximately twenty kilometres from Antequera, Fuente de Piedra is accessible via the A92 and M454. Those not wishing to drive can take the train from Cordoba or Seville to Malaga and disembark at the Fuente de Piedra stop. It is a short walk to the visitor's centre where you can call a taxi.

Scholars believe that Fuente de Piedra dates back to the Romans. At the time, the rich salt waters of the area's lagoon were believed to have incredible restorative powers. In fact, the town's name is believed to come from a common belief that drinking the salty water piped into a central fountain would cure a person of “mal de la piedra.”

 

As the Romans made room for other cultures, the Moors settled in the area and continued to use the salty lagoon to mine salt for trade. Droughts and disease wreaked havoc causing serious population declines. This also led the masses to believe that the influx of disease proved the fountain had lost its curative powers. In the mid-1900s, the fountain was boarded up and forgotten.

 

In the 1990s, townspeople opted to restore the fountain to its former glory. It is now a popular attraction with both locals and tourists.

The Donkey Sanctuary is Fuente de Piedra's most popular attraction. Since 2002, dozens of donkeys and mules are housed in the Donkey Sanctuary where they can live out their lives in peace. Donkeys from around the world are brought here, cured of their ailments, and then given a loving home within the sanctuary. The non-profit organisation relies on donations and volunteers to help locate and rescue sick, neglected, and abused donkeys throughout Europe. 

 

Laguna de Fuente de Piedra is a huge lagoon where hundred of birds flock for shelter, food, and nesting. The lagoon is located within the natural reserve and measures six by three kilometres. One of the most popular attractions are the flamingos that come to the area looking for mates and food sources. The Laguna de Fuente de Piedra Visitor Centres is located on the Sierra de Yeguas Road outside the town limits. Guided tours of the lagoon are offered when the water capacity is high. During droughts, the water levels can drop and bringing tourists into the area can be stressful on the birds that make the lagoon their home.

 

The Marques de Fuente de Piedra's palace is located within the town. Built in the 1800s, the palace's architecture is of a neoclassic form and definitely is worthy of some time. 

 

Built in the late 1800s, Virgen de la Virtudes is a Mudejar style church with an intriguing exterior. Virgen de la Virtudes is the patron saint of Fuente de Piedra. People enjoy viewing the large stained glass window that is located on the front facade.

 

In early September, a festival in honour of the town's patron saint is held. The fair features fireworks, dances, traditional costumes, parades, races, and more. This is one of the largest celebrations during the year and visitors from around the area flock to the celebration.

Agriculture is important to Fuente de Piedra. Wheat is farmed in much of the fertile soil. Olives also thrive in the area. Though agriculture makes up a good deal of the area's economy, smaller businesses also contribute their share.

 

Within Fuente de Piedra, there are dozens of automobile or motorcycle repair shops, small manufacturing companies, hostels, and small construction or real estate firms. These companies employ a small percentage of locals.

In the hot summer months, gazpacho, a cold tomato soup, is extremely common throughout Fuente de Piedra. A local version of gazpacho introduces partridge meat into the soup created a filling meal. Other traditional meals include rabbit stew, raised rabbit, and even a rich chick pea stew that contains garlic, olive oil, and tomatoes.

Though Fuente de Piedra seems to be more attractive to the birdwatcher crowd, the truth is that the town offers an excellent opportunity to kick back and relax. A number of area inns, campgrounds, and hotels offer suitable accommodation. The sights are amazing, the tranquility will soothe a weary traveller, and the locals will ensure you feel at home.