Category: Civil Architecture > Roundabout
District: Aveiro > Ílhavo > Gafanha da Encarnação
Situated in Gafanha da Encarnação, in the municipality of Ílhavo, the Rotunda dos Peixes occupies a central point of the urban fabric, next to a busy coastal area. It is set in a spacious area, surrounded by traffic routes and with a view of typical constructions, some of them painted in vivid colours that contrast with the white of the sculptures. In the vicinity, it is possible to observe the presence of services and buildings of traditional and contemporary design, as well as its proximity to the port area and the local bus station.
The central element of this roundabout is a set of vertical sculptures in light stone, carved in a way that evokes the silhouette of stylized fish. Each piece features smooth and simple lines, with circular openings that suggest eyes, giving them a minimalist and modern appearance. This set refers to the region's strong connection to fishing and the sea, one of the pillars of Ílhavo's cultural identity.
The arrangement of the pieces, with different sizes and orientations, creates a dynamic visual effect, as if the fish were in motion, crossing the green "sea" of the central lawn.
The light colour of the stone stands out under natural light, especially on clear sky days, providing a striking contrast with the blue of the sky and the green of the grass. The spaciousness of the roundabout allows for a complete appreciation of the sculptures from various angles, making it an easily recognizable and memorable point for those passing through the town.
The urban setting, with houses of different styles and colourful facades in the background, creates an interesting photographic composition, where public art dialogues with the daily life of the local community.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.61255944672245,-8.749524390214306
Coordinates DMS: 40°36'45.2"N 08°44'58.3"W
