Until 1983, the flag of Madrid was a small coat of arms on a green background. Yes, the emblematic seven stars on a red background are relatively young: they were created by the artist José María Cruz Novillo during the mandate of President Joaquín Leguina.
The white stars of the Madrid flag are inspired by Ursa Major, one of the most recognizable constellations from the Sierra de Guadarrama. The Ursa has always been linked to the history of the capital: the old coat of arms of the Villa de Madrid also bears references to it.
As a tribute to this immortal symbol of the city, the Madrid City Council has announced that it will install seven white star-shaped fountains, each in a different district. Seen from the sky, they will form the constellation on which their design is based.
The design of all the fountains will follow the same pattern: a heptagon-shaped glass as a base, seven water jets and a concrete star with a sloping surface in the center. Inside the star will be engraved their name.
The fountains will be named after the stars that make up the Big Dipper: Benetnasch in Latina, Mizar in Moncloa-Aravaca, Alioth in Arganzuela, Megrez in Retiro, Phecda in Vallecas, Dubhe in Canillejas and Merak in Vicálvaro.
Location of new fountains
- Benetnasch: next to the Colonia Jardín metro station (Campamento).
- Mizar: between Hexágonos and Cuesta Nueva streets (Casa de Campo).
- Alioth: on Gasómetro street (Chimenea park, Acacias).
- Megrez: between Conde de Cartagena street and Avda. del Mediterráneo (Niño Jesús).
- Dubhe: in the park of the Roses (San Blas-Canillejas).
- Phecda: in the Javier de Miguel park (Palomeras Bajas).
- Merak: in the linear park of Valderrivas (Valdebernardo).