Source of the Doors of Moura

Category: Civil Architecture > Spring / Fountain

District: Évora > Évora > Évora > São Mamede, Sé, São Pedro e Santo Antão

Location

The Fonte das Portas de Moura is located in the heart of the city of Évora, more precisely in its Largo das Portas de Moura. This square occupies an open and prominent, slightly elevated space, which historically was a vital point for the urban development of the city. Prominently positioned, the fountain significantly contributes to the landscape and ambiance of this square, a place of confluence throughout the centuries.

Historical Legacy and Patron

The construction of this remarkable fountain began in 1556, by order of the then Cardinal D. Henrique, who played a central role in ecclesiastical and political governance as Archbishop of Évora and, later, Regent of the kingdom. The design of this work is attributed to the architect Diogo de Torralva, a prominent figure of the Portuguese Renaissance, also recognized for his involvement in the grand work of the Água da Prata Aqueduct. Its historical and artistic importance was formally recognized with its classification as a National Monument in 1922.

Style and Composition

The Fonte das Portas de Moura is an expressive example of the 16th-century Mannerist style. Its structure, carved from Estremoz white marble, presents a balanced and harmonious composition. The fountain's base is formed by concentric square-plan tanks, accessible via steps. From its center rises a sober shaft, with a pyriform shape, supporting a sphere. This sphere is decorated with four delicate bas-reliefs of seraphs, elements that add a touch of artistic detail. The ensemble is topped by a spherical pinnacle and a forged iron weathervane, which includes an armillary sphere.

Symbolism and Utility

Beyond its formal beauty, the fountain holds deep symbolism linked to the arrival of water in the city. It was built with the primary purpose of publicly distributing water brought by the monumental Água da Prata Aqueduct, a remarkable engineering feat for its time. Cardinal D. Henrique, aware of the relevance of this hydraulic infrastructure and the fountain itself, described it in 1556 as "the noblest thing in this city". The fountain thus symbolizes the triumph of engineering and the abundance of water, aspects celebrated in an allegorical band inscribed on its sphere, which states how "the rock turned into a sheet of water, and the stone into a fountain of living water". Currently, the fountain maintains its ornamental and cultural function, serving as a visual and historical landmark in Évora.

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