Fountain of Bica

Category: Civil Architecture > Historic Centre

District: Castelo Branco > Fundão > Castelo Novo

Location

The Bica Fountain is located in Castelo Novo, one of the historic villages in the municipality of Fundão. It is situated in the square named after it, a welcoming plaza in the heart of the settlement.

Set against a granite outcrop, the fountain benefits from an elevated platform, accessible by a wide staircase, flanked by stone benches that provide a place for rest and contemplation of the urban environment surrounding it.

An 18th-Century Legacy

Built in the 18th century, during the reign of King John V, this fountain is a notable example of Joanine Baroque architecture. Its presence recalls the period of prosperity and investment in public infrastructure that marked that era in Portugal. It was, and still is, an essential point for the local water supply.

The fountain serves as a testament to the daily life of Castelo Novo in past centuries, revealing the importance of water in the organization of space and the communal life of the village.

Design and Ornamentation

The structure of the Bica Fountain is defined by a rectangular backrest, flanked by two robust pilasters. These rise from decorated bases and culminate in a sculpted pediment, topped by a beveled Latin cross. The ensemble is entirely carved from granite stone, a material abundant in the region and characteristic of its architecture.

At the center, a sculpted coat of arms displays the Royal arms of King John V, underlining the importance of the work. Water spouts from a spout adorned with a mascaron, flowing into a small quadrangular tank with recessed angles. The grand access staircase features modillions where horse reins were once tied, and is flanked by pillars topped with flaming vases, lending a touch of dignity to the space.

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