Category: Civil Architecture > Spring / Fountain
District: Beja > Moura > Santo Aleixo da Restauração > Fonte de Arouche
The Fonte de Aroche is located in the peaceful village of Santo Aleixo da Restauração, in the municipality of Moura, deep in the Alentejo region. It is specifically situated in the urban area known as Fonte de Arouche, at the southeastern end of the settlement, next to Rua da Fonte de Aroche.
Its position is particularly significant as it lies on an old path that connected this village to Aroche, a neighboring Spanish town, a detail that explains the origin of its name and underscores its historical relevance in the local geography.
The history of the Fonte de Aroche is shrouded in legends and ancient documents that give it a special character. An old tradition, mentioned in the "Parochial Memories" of 1758, associates its origin with King D. Dinis. More than a simple fountain, this place was renowned for the uniqueness and purity of its water.
The excellence of its water was so renowned that, in times past, it was transported for the consumption of figures of great importance. Among its illustrious users were King D. Carlos, at the Ducal Palace of Vila Viçosa, and some Archbishops of Évora, who did not hesitate to order the water, despite the considerable distance.
The Fonte de Aroche is distinguished by its peculiar architecture, characteristic of the Baroque style. It is, in essence, a covered well, protected by a robust structure.
Its cubic-shaped reservoir is protected by a body of four arcades that support a dome. This architectural element is notable for its morphological resemblance to the bell tower of the Mother Church of Santo Aleixo da Restauração, demonstrating an aesthetic harmony among the village's prominent buildings.
Access to the fountain's water was through a rectangular spout, made of marble walls. The underground reservoir was excavated in bluish-green volcanic rock, a material known for its hardness.
As a testament to centuries of daily use, the north-facing side, closer to the village, exhibits deep and visible grooves. These marks result from the continuous rubbing of ropes from buckets and pitchers, which were repeatedly lowered to collect water, telling the story of the fountain's constant and vital use by the community over generations.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.0657303819518, -7.150387526249703
Coordinates DMS: 38°03'56.6"N 07°09'1.4"W
On-duty Pharmacy Santo Aleixo da Restauração
