Iron water spring

Category: Civil Architecture > Spring / Fountain

District: Évora > Évora > Évora > Quinta de São José

Location

The Ferrous Water Fountain is located within the grounds of Quinta de São José, in the city of Évora. Its location confers a relatively tranquil environment, distanced from the hustle and bustle of the historic center, but still easily accessible within the Évora locality. This setting, sometimes more landscaped or with characteristics of an old estate, invites a calmer and more contemplative experience.

Characteristics and Design

This hydraulic structure serves as a testament to the importance of water throughout the ages. The Ferrous Water Fountain is, in essence, a construction designed for the collection and provision of water, typically featuring a robust and functional configuration. While specific design details may vary, these fountains are often built with masonry or stone, reflecting an aesthetic that prioritizes durability and utility. Their appearance may be simple, but it underscores human ingenuity in managing essential natural resources.

The Value of Ferrous Water

The particular name of this fountain, "ferrous water," derives from the presence of iron compounds in its composition. Historically, waters with these characteristics were often valued for their distinctive qualities, whether for their peculiar taste or for the properties attributed to them. The coloration that iron sometimes imparts to the water or to the outflow surfaces can be a striking visual characteristic of the fountain, distinguishing it from other springs. The existence of a fountain with water of such a particular composition highlights the diversity of natural resources present in the region.

Historical and Cultural Context

The existence of fountains like the Ferrous Water Fountain reflects the long history of water management and its vital importance to communities throughout the centuries. In Évora, a city with an extremely rich heritage and where the presence of water has always been a crucial element for urban and rural development, these infrastructures assume a discreet but fundamental role. The Ferrous Water Fountain is part of this legacy, serving as a silent link to past practices and needs, where access to a reliable water source was a central aspect of daily life.

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