Albergaria-a-Velha Source

Category: Civil Architecture > Spring / Fountain

District: Aveiro > Albergaria-a-Velha > Albergaria-a-Velha > Centro

Location

The Albergaria-a-Velha Fountain is located in the heart of the city, in Largo 1º de Dezembro, a striking urban space paved with cobblestones. It is situated in a central area, easily accessible and visible, surrounded by the traditional houses of the locality. Its insertion within an ellipsoidal layout gives it a prominent place in the urban landscape.

Design and Ornamentation

In a neoclassical style, this fountain is a beautiful example of 19th-century infrastructural architecture. Its centralized structure consists of a circular tank with a projecting rim. In the center, a polygonal plinth rises, serving as the base for an elegantly crafted column. In the lower part of the column, two spout openings in the shape of a floral motif are highlighted, decorated with delicate floral reliefs. The column's shaft features relief drapery, and the entire ensemble is topped with an urn, lending it a classic and harmonious presence. The materials used are limestone, with joints in cement mortar.

From Public Fountain to Ornamental Piece

Originally, the Albergaria-a-Velha Fountain played an essential role in the community's daily life, functioning as a public fountain for water distribution. Over time and with the development of infrastructure, its function changed, transforming it into an ornamental fountain. Its history is marked by a significant event in 2006, when it was carefully relocated to its original site after having been in another square. This move reinforced its importance as a central and symbolic element of the city's urban heritage, inviting appreciation for its beauty and its connection to the past.

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