Doctor Gaspar Moreira Square

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Theatre

District: Aveiro > Santa Maria da Feira > Santa Maria da Feira

Location

Praça Doutor Gaspar Moreira is situated in the heart of Santa Maria da Feira, establishing itself as one of the main meeting points and centers of life in this city. It is a central space that shapes the daily pulse of the locality, easily accessible and visible within the urban fabric.

One Name, Several Histories

With a rich and multifaceted history, this central square has had different designations over time. Initially known as Praça Velha, and later as Praça da República, it adopted its current name in 1940, in homage to Doutor Gaspar Moreira (1870-1937). A prominent figure in local history, Gaspar Moreira was a lawyer who played a significant role as Mayor and administrator of the municipality. His administration was marked by important initiatives, such as the installation of telephone services and the construction of essential infrastructure for the community.

The Centenary Fountain

In the center of Praça Doutor Gaspar Moreira, stands a remarkable fountain, composed of two basins and a diamond-shaped tank. Dating back to the 17th century, this element has a history of translocation: it was originally part of the cloister of the Convento dos Loios, having been carefully moved to its current location around 1848. The fountain now occupies the place where the pillory of the old town once stood, lending the square a touch of classical beauty and a visible connection to the region's past.

Art and Built Heritage

On the outskirts of the square, several architectural and artistic elements can be observed that enrich its environment. To the west, the Paços do Concelho (City Hall) building stands out, a construction that, despite renovations in the 20th century, maintains traces of its older history, with references to 16th-century structures and 18th-century reforms. Within the City Hall building, there is a striking cork sculpture by the artist Vhils. This piece, part of the Diorama series, bridges the gap with the local cork industry, inviting reflection on the relationship between the individual and the industrial environment. On the amphitheater staircase, a bronze sculpture by Baltazar de Oliveira pays homage to the Fado das Fogaceiras, a cultural expression deeply rooted in the tradition of Santa Maria da Feira.

Testimonies of Urban Life

The square is flanked by a collection of old houses, which, over the centuries, have been renovated while maintaining their essence. Among these buildings, some hold memories of important milestones in local life. In one of the houses, the regional newspaper Correio da Feira was founded in 1877, a publication that remains active and informative to this day. In another old residence, which has four floors, the Academia de Música da Feira (Feira Music Academy) was established in 1955. These buildings and their stories contribute to the unique atmosphere of Praça Doutor Gaspar Moreira, demonstrating its continued relevance as a center of cultural and social activity.

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