Fuente de las Tres Gracias (Fountain of the Three Graces), Malaga
The Fountain of the Three Graces, also known as the Three Nymphs Fountain, is a striking cast-iron sculpture located in Malaga. This work originates from the workshop of Antoine Durenne in Sommevoire, France, and follows a model designed by the French sculptor Jean-Baptiste-Jules Klagmann. Its design, inspired by classical mythological traditions, serves as an allegory of the Seine, Marne, and Yonne rivers in the Seine-et-Marne department of France. These rivers symbolize the gifts of agriculture, river navigation, and commerce.
Acquired in 1879 at the request of municipal engineer Jose Maria de Sancha, the fountain was inaugurated in 1880 in Constitution Square (Plaza de la Constitucion). It moved to Marina Square (Plaza de la Marina) in 1901 and finally to General Torrijos Square (Plaza del General Torrijos) in 1914, where it now anchors a key urban hub near Malaga's iconic streets and landmarks like the Noble Hospital, Malaga Park, and La Malagueta bullring.
The fountain consists of three tiers and two cups, adorned with intricate classical details. Its triangular pedestal is decorated with carved children sitting on swans and interwoven garlands. Above the base stand three robed female figures: the Marne with a sickle and wheat (agriculture), the Yonne with an oar (navigation), and the Seine with a horn of plenty (prosperity), their feet resting on dolphin heads. A smaller circular cup, crowned by a relief-adorned vase, serves as the central spout.
The fountain’s current setting is enhanced by an artistic fence and a meticulously maintained garden, emphasizing its role as both an ornamental and symbolic centerpiece of the city. Its design served as inspiration for the nearby Tres Gitanillas Fountain, which adapts the classical figures into Andalusian folkloric attire, bridging cultural traditions.
Today, the Fountain of the Three Graces remains one of Malaga’s most cherished and picturesque landmarks, a testament to the city’s appreciation for art, history, and urban beauty.
Acquired in 1879 at the request of municipal engineer Jose Maria de Sancha, the fountain was inaugurated in 1880 in Constitution Square (Plaza de la Constitucion). It moved to Marina Square (Plaza de la Marina) in 1901 and finally to General Torrijos Square (Plaza del General Torrijos) in 1914, where it now anchors a key urban hub near Malaga's iconic streets and landmarks like the Noble Hospital, Malaga Park, and La Malagueta bullring.
The fountain consists of three tiers and two cups, adorned with intricate classical details. Its triangular pedestal is decorated with carved children sitting on swans and interwoven garlands. Above the base stand three robed female figures: the Marne with a sickle and wheat (agriculture), the Yonne with an oar (navigation), and the Seine with a horn of plenty (prosperity), their feet resting on dolphin heads. A smaller circular cup, crowned by a relief-adorned vase, serves as the central spout.
The fountain’s current setting is enhanced by an artistic fence and a meticulously maintained garden, emphasizing its role as both an ornamental and symbolic centerpiece of the city. Its design served as inspiration for the nearby Tres Gitanillas Fountain, which adapts the classical figures into Andalusian folkloric attire, bridging cultural traditions.
Today, the Fountain of the Three Graces remains one of Malaga’s most cherished and picturesque landmarks, a testament to the city’s appreciation for art, history, and urban beauty.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Malaga. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Fuente de las Tres Gracias (Fountain of the Three Graces) on Map
Sight Name: Fuente de las Tres Gracias (Fountain of the Three Graces)
Sight Location: Malaga, Spain (See walking tours in Malaga)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Malaga, Spain (See walking tours in Malaga)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Malaga, Spain
Create Your Own Walk in Malaga
Creating your own self-guided walk in Malaga is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Architectural Jewels of Malaga
The blooming port city of Málaga has a wealth of architecture with no shortage of ancient and otherwise impressive buildings fit to vow any visitor. Having witnessed the fall and rise of many civilizations, Malaga's uniqueness is marked by the variety of architectural styles, upon which the times past had a great deal of impact. From its stunning Moorish fortress – the best-preserved of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Pablo Picasso's Malaga
Among other things for which Malaga has gone down in history is being the town where Pablo Picasso, the famous painter and innovator of the Cubist movement, was born and spent his early childhood. The milieu and the daily life of those years inspired some of Picasso’s most characteristic subjects in paintings, such as flamenco, doves and bulls.
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Malaga Introduction Walking Tour
Malaga is old. It is 2,800 years old. It is thought to have been founded by Phoenician traders in 770 BC. From its beginnings, it was a natural waypoint between Phoenicia in the eastern Mediterranean and Gibraltar. Cathaginians and, later, Romans ruled the city. Their core settlements were in an area between Gibralfaro Hill to the Guadalmedina River.
From the eighth century to the end of the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
From the eighth century to the end of the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
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As well as one of the best cultural destinations in southern Spain, Malaga turns out to be something of a shopping mecca. Along with the ubiquitous shopping malls on the outskirts, the capital of Costa del Sol has managed to preserve its network of specialist shops, difficult to find in most big...