Washbasin

Category: Civil Architecture > Washhouse

District: Beja > Vidigueira > Selmes

Location

The Lavadouro (public washhouse) is located in Selmes, a small urban cluster in the municipality of Vidigueira. Situated in a typical Alentejo area, the washhouse space is nestled within the tranquility of the village, usually near a natural water source or a more secluded street, allowing for a serene environment and a genuine connection with local daily life. Its presence is an integrated element in the village's landscape.

A Testament to Other Times

This Lavadouro is a remnant of the social and economic life of other eras, a time when homes did not have piped water. It represents an essential workplace, but also a meeting point. The village women would gather here to wash clothes, sharing conversations and news, transforming an arduous task into a moment of community interaction. Visiting the Lavadouro is, therefore, a journey into the past, imagining the days that unfolded there, marked by the sound of water and the voices that filled the air.

Features of Traditional Construction

The architecture of Selmes Lavadouro reflects the simplicity and functionality of rural Alentejo constructions. Typically, it features robust stone tanks, where running water flowed, and a covered area to protect from sun or rain. The materials used, such as local stone and masonry, give it a rustic and authentic aesthetic. Its construction is an example of how human ingenuity adapted to daily needs, utilizing available resources to create durable infrastructures.

A Refuge of Quietude

Today, the Selmes Lavadouro offers an environment of remarkable quietude. Far from the hustle and bustle of modern life, this place invites a moment of pause. The gentle murmur of water, when present, contributes to an atmosphere of calm and reflection. It is a space where one can appreciate the simplicity and beauty of a structure that, although no longer serving its original function, remains a point of reference and a symbol of the Alentejo community's identity.

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