Restoring Font de Morna: A Team Effort to Save Ibiza’s Water Heritage
What Is Font de Morna?
Font de Morna is an old stone fountain tucked beside a traditional olive press (known locally as a trull) in the village of San Carlos de Peralta. Fed by a natural spring, the fountain and its surrounding dry‑stone terraces are part of Ibiza’s historic hydraulic heritage. Because of its age and design, the site has been listed as an Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC) and is protected in the municipality’s Historic Heritage Catalogue.
Why Did It Need Help?
Over the years, rocks from the steep hillside behind the fountain kept falling onto the structure. These rockfalls cracked the stone arch, damaged the spring outlet, and wore away the terrace walls. Without intervention, the fountain could have collapsed completely, erasing a piece of the island’s rural landscape.
The Restoration Plan
Stabilising the Slope
First, workers secured the rocky slope to stop further falls. This step was crucial to protect the fountain while the rest of the work proceeded.
Rebuilding the Stone Arch
Using irregular dry‑stone blocks that match the original design, specialists reconstructed the fountain’s historic arch. The technique mirrors how the structure was built centuries ago.
Refreshing the Masonry
The interior walls and nearby masonry received a limewash, a traditional coating that lets the stone breathe while giving it a clean, authentic look.
Restoring the Spring Outlet
The spring’s original water outlet was cleared and repaired so that water could flow freely again, just as it did when the fountain was first built.
Guided by Old Photos
To keep the restoration true to the fountain’s past, the team consulted archival photographs. These images helped them recreate details that might otherwise have been lost.
Who Made It Happen?
The project was a public‑private partnership. The Santa Eulària des Riu Town Council teamed up with the Atzaró Group, which fully funded and carried out the work. The total investment amounted to €14,479.
Local Leaders Speak Up
Mayor Carmen Ferrer praised the collaboration, noting that businesses like Atzaró can play a vital role in protecting cultural heritage. She said the company is reinvesting proceeds from its charitable events into preserving the municipality’s history.
Ferrer also encouraged other companies and organisations to follow suit, emphasizing that safeguarding landmarks like Font de Morna strengthens local identity, protects Ibiza’s cultural legacy, and keeps these sites alive for future generations.
Why This Matters for Teens and the Community
Historic sites such as Font de Morna tell stories about how people once managed water, farmed the land, and built communities. When these places are cared for, they become outdoor classrooms where residents and visitors can learn about the island’s past. Preserving them also adds charm to the countryside, making Ibiza a more attractive place to live, work, and explore.
Conclusion
The restoration of Font de Morna shows what can happen when local government and private businesses join forces. By stabilising the slope, rebuilding the stone arch, refreshing the masonry, and repairing the spring outlet, the project has returned a valuable piece of Ibiza’s hydraulic heritage to good condition. Thanks to this effort, the fountain will continue to flow, educate, and inspire for years to come.
For more information, see the original report: Source
Images Credit: www.diariodeibiza.com