Fountain Tank

Category: Civil Architecture > Spring / Fountain

District: Aveiro > Vale de Cambra > Felgueira

Location

The Tanque da Fonte (Fountain Tank) is located in the peaceful locality of Felgueira, an integral part of the municipality of Vale de Cambra, in the district of Aveiro. Its surroundings are marked by a predominantly rural and verdant landscape, typical of this interior region of Portugal. This setting offers an atmosphere of serenity, ideal for a tranquil break and to appreciate the simplicity of local daily life, with the singing of birds and the murmuring of water as its soundtrack.

The Genesis of the Water

This tank, associated with a fountain, is a testament to the vital importance of water for rural communities throughout the ages. In the past, these places were the point of daily supply for local populations, serving not only for human consumption but also for watering animals. Its design, simple and functional, reflects its primary utility, keeping the water fresh and accessible. The constant murmur of the water that springs forth here and accumulates in the tank invites contemplation and evokes the lives that passed through here, in a rhythm dictated by nature.

Construction and Character

The Tanque da Fonte is predominantly built of stone, an abundant material in the region that gives the structure durability and harmonious integration with the surrounding natural environment. Its architecture is unpretentious, characterized by robustness and functionality, common features in popular constructions of this type. The stone blocks, often irregularly shaped, reveal a constructive mastery that valued utility without neglecting a certain beauty inherent in its simplicity. It is a clear example of how vernacular architecture adapted to available resources and the daily needs of the community.

A Community Legacy

More than just a structure for storing water, the Tanque da Fonte represents a legacy of community experiences. Over generations, it was the scene of encounters and daily routines, a meeting point where news was exchanged and moments were shared. Its discreet presence in Felgueira recalls a past where life unfolded around these essential points, keeping alive the memory of a way of life closer to the land and its gifts. Visiting this place is, therefore, an opportunity to feel the pulse of a simple, yet deeply rooted local history in the identity of Felgueira and its inhabitants.

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