Old Fountain

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Castelo Branco > Idanha-a-Nova > Devesa

Location

In the heart of the small village of Devesa, part of the municipality of Idanha-a-Nova, stands the Fonte Velha (Old Fountain). This feature is typically set within a serene, rural environment, often near a village square or an older path, inviting a moment of pause. Its location offers an easy glimpse into the atmosphere that once characterized the daily life of these villages in Beira Baixa.

A Secular Presence

The Fonte Velha is a testament to the daily life of yesteryear in Devesa. For centuries, it served as an essential landmark for the inhabitants, providing water for daily consumption and for agricultural and domestic activities. It thus represents a tangible link to local history, revealing the importance of public fountains in the sustenance and social life of rural communities.

Simple Aesthetics

Built predominantly from granite, an abundant material in the region, the Fonte Velha exhibits a simple yet robust architecture, characteristic of popular Beira constructions. Its structure, sometimes featuring a basin for water collection or a small drinking trough, reflects a functionality designed to serve the community. The constant flow of water, often echoing a gentle sound, contributes to an atmosphere of tranquility and freshness, particularly pleasant on warmer days.

Legacy and Landscape

Visiting the Fonte Velha offers an opportunity to contemplate the simplicity of rural life and the deep connection of communities to the land and its resources. It is an invitation to reflect on the resilience and wisdom of past generations, who knew how to utilize and care for such vital elements as water. The fountain is integrated into the Devesa landscape, allowing for an immersion in the authenticity of the Idanha-a-Nova territory.

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