Fonte Nossa Senhora da GraçaOur Lady of Grace Fountain

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Coimbra > Figueira da Foz > Vila Verde > Casal da Marinha

Location

The Nossa Senhora da Graça Fountain is located in the town of Vila Verde, within the Casal da Marinha area. This zone, part of the municipality of Figueira da Foz, is characterized by a quieter and predominantly residential environment, punctuated by some green areas that invite serenity.

The fountain is positioned to be a discreet and accessible element within the community, reflecting the local way of life and daily rhythm. Its location offers a glimpse into a piece of Vila Verde's history and traditions.

Origin and Significance

This fountain is an element that dates back to ancient local traditions, often linked to the presence of drinking water in inhabited areas. Its name, "Nossa Senhora da Graça" (Our Lady of Grace), suggests strong popular devotion and may indicate that the site was, historically, a valuable water collection point for inhabitants, blessed by the community's faith.

The fountain serves as a testament to the importance of water in the daily lives of communities of yesteryear, still maintaining today a symbolism of provision and gratitude for its availability. It represents a connection to the rural past and ancestral supply practices.

Architecture and Environment

The Nossa Senhora da Graça Fountain features a construction that integrates with the simplicity and functionality typical of community fountains. Generally, these structures are built of stone, reflecting the durability of local materials and popular Portuguese architecture.

Its modest design provides an atmosphere of quietude, inviting a brief moment of pause and contemplation, away from the hustle and bustle of more crowded areas. It is a place that allows visitors to observe a slice of daily life in Vila Verde, in a space that inspires tranquility.

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