Roman Source

Category: Archaeology > Spring / Fountain

District: Castelo Branco > Fundão > Capinha

Location

The Roman Fountain is located in Capinha, a small village in the municipality of Fundão, nestled in a rural environment of typical Beira Baixa beauty. Generally, these structures are integrated into the oldest fabric of the villages, easily accessible to those strolling through their streets and inviting a moment of quiet discovery.

The surroundings of the fountain are characterized by traditional granite architecture, reflecting the region's identity. Its position in the village allows for observing the calm of local daily life, framed by buildings that tell the story of the settlement.

Origin and Legacy

Despite its name, which harks back to Roman antiquity, the Roman Fountain of Capinha, like many other similar structures in the region, is typically a more recent construction, probably from the 16th or 17th centuries. These fountains were vital elements for communities, serving as an essential water supply point for inhabitants and livestock for generations.

Its popular designation often reflects the perception of a robust and durable construction, built to last, much like the works of the Roman era. It represents a legacy of daily life from bygone times, a testament to the centuries-old relationship between populations and water, fundamental for the survival and development of villages.

Architectural Features

This fountain is distinguished by its construction from local granite, an abundant material in the region, which gives it solidity and harmonious integration into the landscape. Its structure features a simple but effective design, often with an arched collection chamber or "mother of water," accessible through a perfect arch on the main façade, which stands out for its sobriety.

Access to the water tank is sometimes provided by a few steps, giving it the typology of a "dipping fountain." The purity of its lines and the robustness of the material emphasize its practical function, while also revealing an unpretentious beauty, characteristic of the popular architecture of Beira Baixa and the local builders' ability to adapt to available natural resources.

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