The Elephant Fountain is a historic spring in the Sierra de Córdoba associated with a fountain of the Caliphate period, traditionally dated to the tenth century and linked to the environment of Santa María de Trassierra. The structure visible today combines the water ark, a masonry pillar and a rectangular pool; the original sculptural piece of the elephant was removed and a replica has remained in the fountain since 2013. The whole is interpreted as a medieval Islamic work with later reforms, within a landscape of streams, ditches and riparian vegetation. From the point of visit a small but very photogenic enclave is observed, where the fountain is integrated into a mountainous landscape near Baños de Popea and several recreational trails. The interesting thing is not only the fountain itself, but the contrast between the heritage element and the natural environment, closely linked to the old hydraulic infrastructures of the area. Some sources also place it in relation to the supply network of Umayyad Cordoba or the old aqueduct of Valdepuentes. Its local interest is included in the municipal portal of natural destination of Cordoba and by several hiking guides that include it as a landmark route in the west-sierra. The environment is part of a protected natural area of the Natura 2000 Network, although in some descriptions the fountain is in an irregular state of conservation due to abandonment and dumping. The best time to visit it is usually spring and autumn, when the riverbed carries more water and the temperature allows you to walk comfortably through the mountains.
