Fuente de Piedra

Fuente de Piedra

The village of Fuente de Piedra (with a population of approximately 2,000) is close to the Natural park and lake; Laguna de Fuente de Piedra

Also the famous Donkey Sactuary  – El Refugio del Burrito

The village itself is typically Andaluz with its whitewashed houses with wrought iron protecting the balconies. As well as a few impressive houses built for noblemen of the past, there is also the palace of the Marques of Fuente de Piedra, which dates back to the 19th century and is built in the neoclassic style.

There is only one church – that of the “Virgen de las Virtudes” – the patron saint of the village. It was built in 1891 in the neo-mudéjar style and has an interesting main façade, with a rather gothic like stain glass window over the main entrance.

Laguna de Fuente de Piedra

Laguna de Fuente de Piedra, a famous beautiful lagoon. The largest natural lake in the Iberian Peninsula at 2.5km wide and 6.5km long, it is a haven for birds with over 170 different species recorded here.

Apart from its abundant aquatic birds, it is well known for its flamingo population, the second largest colony of these birds in Europe  and the only inland site on the continent where they breed. In spring flamingos flock here in their thousands to reproduce, attracted by the water’s high salt content and the fact that it is shallow.

Although in winter the lake fills up and covers around 15km², it is seasonal, so it virtually dries out in summer.

The Donkey Sanctuary

While in Fuente de Piedra, it is well worth visiting the Donkey Sanctuary, where nearly 50 donkeys from all over the world have been saved and are being well looked after.

Donkey Santuary

From miniature to giant donkeys, here size really doesn’t matter. In Spanish it is called “El Refugio del Burrito‘ and is easy to find by turning off at the Hotel Conde de la Laguna until the end of the track. Open to visitors 7 days a week.

Tel: 952 735 513
www.elrefugiodelburrito.com