Fuente de los Caballos (Fountain of the Horses), Santiago de Compostela

The Fountain of the Horses is a monumental fountain that was created in the year 1825 by J. Pernas in the Compostela Baroque style. It consists of four horses, each spouting water from their mouths. Above them stands a pedestal with the Marble Ark, topped by a female figure holding the star of Compostela with her raised arm. The fountain's meaning has been subject to various interpretations over the years, but it is widely believed to be an allegory representing the city of Compostela.

In the 18th century, the Compostela cabido commissioned Sarela to remodel Praza das Pratarías, which was later transformed into the fountain by Friar Xoán Conde in 1825. Some sources suggest that the fountain had origins inside the cathedral cloister, while others claim it was part of a previous fountain in front of the Acibecharía facade. The fountain, crafted in the Italian style with elements of Compostela Baroque, is made of granite and includes four hippocampi and a central sculpture representing Compostela.

The fountain has inspired artists throughout history, including the renowned poet Federico García Lorca, who wrote his poem "Dance of the Moon in Santiago" based on the fountain. In fact, Lorca refers to it as the "Fountain of the Dream."

Visitors and travelers often engage in a tradition at the fountain, tossing coins into it with the hope of returning to Santiago. Furthermore, one of the hazing rituals performed on new students of the University of Santiago involves a "baptism" in the waters of the fountain, where a veteran student immerses their head in the source. Another common practice is to playfully trick visitors by making them look closely at the hands of the horses, only to suddenly wet their hands when they approach.