Sinks and Drinking Fountain

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Açores > Vila do Porto > Santa Bárbara > Arrebentão

Location

Situated in the serene locality of Santa Bárbara, more precisely in the Arrebentão site, the Pias and Fontanário complex is immersed in the characteristic landscape of Vila do Porto, on the island of Santa Maria, in the Azores. This location offers an authentic perspective of island life, in an environment that invites tranquility and contemplation of Azorean natural beauty.

Its position allows visitors to absorb the rural atmosphere and the calm rhythm of the island, surrounded by an environment that evokes a past where nature and water resources shaped the daily lives of communities. It is a place where one can experience the authenticity of the territory, away from the hustle and bustle, and feel the deep connection of the population to their land.

A Legacy of Community Life

The Pias and the Fontanário are more than simple stone structures; they represent a vital element of Azorean heritage, telling the story of water management and community life of yesteryear. In the past, these places were essential meeting points, where inhabitants supplied themselves with water for their homes and crops, and where daily tasks, such as washing clothes, were carried out. It was a space for socializing and sharing, fundamental to the social fabric of the community.

The existence of this complex highlights the ingenuity and resilience of island populations in utilizing and managing available natural resources, adapting to the territorial conditions. Visiting this site is an immersion into an important chapter of Santa Maria's history and culture, understanding the intrinsic value of water and the traditional way of life linked to it.

Architecture and Materiality

The construction of the Fontanário and the Pias reflects the functionality and robustness of Azorean vernacular architecture. Built mainly with local stone, possibly basalt, abundant on the island, the complex integrates naturally into the surrounding landscape. The design is simple, yet effective, evidencing the pragmatism of the solutions found for the communal supply and use of water.

The fountain, as the main element, was designed to efficiently capture and distribute water, while the basins, arranged practically, facilitated simultaneous use by several people. Detailed observation of their construction allows one to appreciate the craftsmanship of the builders of the time, who, with local resources, erected durable infrastructures, testaments to an era where sustainability and adaptability were premises.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt