Category: Civil Architecture > Fountain
District: Braga > Barcelos > Areias de Vilar
The fountain stands in the center of the old cloister of the Convent of São Salvador de Vilar de Frades, in the parish of Areias de Vilar, municipality of Barcelos. Its enclosed setting gives it a secluded atmosphere, protected by the conventual facades and the annexed church.
The stone pavement surrounds the circular tank and helps amplify the constant sound of the water. At the edges of the courtyard, the presence of trees and small patches of vegetation adds freshness to the space, highlighting the contrast between the granite stone and the Minho green.
The convent's origin dates back to the 11th century, but the current complex is the result of successive construction campaigns over the centuries. The fountain was built in the early 17th century, during a period of monastic prosperity following the Manueline reform. Since 1943, it has been included in the National Monument classification that covers the entire monastic complex.
In addition to ensuring internal water supply, the fountain had symbolic functions, representing purity and spiritual regeneration in a space reserved for the contemplative life of the Canons Regular of Saint Augustine (Lóios).
Set on a low, circular tank, the structure develops around a quadrangular pedestal from which a slender shaft, ornamented with vegetal motifs, rises. Halfway up the shaft, four sculpted fish serve as spouts, directing water into the lower reflecting pool.
The top displays a group of winged figures supporting a closed royal crown, topped by a small cross, an element that emphasizes the sacredness of the site. The stone shows signs of natural aging: lichens, moss, and a dark patina in areas of greater contact with water.
The continuous murmur of the water breaks the silence of the cloister and creates an atmosphere of contemplation. On clear days, the undulating reflections project onto the surrounding arcades and balconies, offering particularly interesting photographic compositions in the early morning and late afternoon.
Details such as the rough texture of the granite, the meticulous design of the fish-shaped spouts, and the crown topped by a cross reward prolonged observation. Even during phases of construction or restoration in neighboring buildings, the fountain remains functional, testifying to the persistence of water as a vital and decorative element in this ancient monastic space.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igreja_de_Vilar_de_Frades
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.54014804150401,-8.557385521429484
Coordinates DMS: 41°32'24.5"N 08°33'26.6"W
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