Forget about the cramped, busy streets of Rome and check out this stunning EU town that offers a perfect dupe to the famous Trevi Fountain. Introducing, Priego de Córdoba
Avoid the herds of selfie-stick-waving tourists in one of Italy’s busiest cities with this stunning ‘dupe’. Renowned for its rich history, Renaissance architecture, and cheap slices of pizza – Rome is one of the most popular cities across the whole of Europe.
Last year, it was reported a record-breaking 22.2 million visitors flocked to the city, which is home to the iconic Colosseum, Pantheon, and the ancient ruins of Palatine Hill. Rome also surrounds Vatican City – which is classed as one of the smallest countries in the world by area – which boasts attractions including St Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.
But, it is Trevi Fountain, which sits in front of the grand Poli Palace, that really lures the crowds in – attracting between 10,000 and 12,000 visitors every single day. Built by Italian architecture Nicola Salvi in the 18th Century, this impressive structure depicts Oceanus, the God of water, surrounded by the statues of Abundance, Salubrity, tritons and hippocamps.
Last year, the Baroque landmark was closed for a three-month restoration project, sparking high demand for an already insatiably popular site. But with insufferable levels of crowding worsening year by year, Mayor of Rome Roberto Gualtieri a new queuing system had been installed to limit holidaymakers.
If you’re deterred by the idea of being sardined next to thousands of strangers, just to throw a penny into the water for good luck – fear not, as there is a perfect dupe that attracts a fraction of the footfall. Located in Priego de Córdoba, a town in the Andalusia region of Spain, you’ll stumble across Fuente del Rey (aka King’s Fountain).
Built in 1803, and officially recognised as a Site of Cultural Interest in 1984, this grand structure features three pools all standing on different levels. “In the first pool stands a sculpture of a lion fighting with a serpent, attributed to the neoclassical sculptor Álvarez Cubero,” explains the region’s tourist board.
“The second level contains the central figure of the monument, a sculpture of Neptune and Amphitrite riding a chariot pulled by horses emerging from the water. There is a waterfall between this and the final pool, from which the water runs out through the mask of the Clergy. There are 199 spouts in the fountain, many of them with stone masks bearing the faces of fantastic creatures.”
The nearest airport to Priego de Córdoba is Granada, but Brits will have a hard time flying there directly – even in the peak summer season. Instead, you’re better off flying into Malaga, which takes on average two hours and 40 minutes. You can get direct flights here from most major UK airports, including Cardiff, Newcastle, Birmingham, Leeds, and London Luton.
If you’re flexible with dates, you can grab return fares in July for as little as £34. Once you’ve touched down in Spain, you’ll have to either drive or hail a taxi and travel up to Priego de Córdoba. This 80-mile journey takes around one and a half hours.
Accommodation in Priego de Córdoba varies depending on your budget. For example, a week’s stay (Monday, July 7 – 14) at the Balcón de la Villa costs just £421. This is based on two adults sharing a superior deluxe double or twin room. However, if you want a more luxurious experience, you can hire out a two-bedroom apartment at Corijo La Presa, which is tucked away in the lush countryside, on the exact same dates for £893.
*Prices based on Skyscanner and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.
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