Fountain of the Squires or Fountain of Republic Square or Renaissance Fountain

Category: Civil Architecture > Spring / Fountain

District: Évora > Viana do Alentejo > Viana do Alentejo > Quinta do Marco

Location

Located in the heart of the village of Viana do Alentejo, in the Évora district, the Fonte dos Escudeiros (Fountain of the Squires) is majestically situated in Praça da República, the town's focal point. This site, although part of the broader area of Viana do Alentejo and Quinta do Marco, stands out as an undeniable landmark in the urban landscape. Its central position grants it a prominent role in the village's life, serving as a backdrop for daily routines and gathering moments.

Historical and Architectural Legacy

Known by several names, with "Fonte dos Escudeiros" (Fountain of the Squires) perhaps being the most evocative and historically rooted, this civil architecture monument dates back to the 16th century, the golden age of the Renaissance. Its construction, dated to the mid-16th century, is frequently associated with the influence or the workshop itself of the notable architect and sculptor Nicolau de Chanterene, a master who left his indelible mark on various works in Portugal. The fountain represents one of the most beautiful examples of Renaissance art in Alentejo, bearing witness to the cultural flourishing and public investment in the region during that era.

Elements and Symbolism

The Fonte dos Escudeiros is a remarkable example of Renaissance aesthetics, characterized by the harmony of its forms and the richness of its details. Its structure consists of a circular basin, from which an elegant, ornamented central shaft rises. This shaft is profusely decorated with classical elements such as volutes and masks, and is distinguished by the presence of several shields or coats of arms, elements that likely gave rise to its most popular name. These shields refer to the local nobility or to the military orders that once had a strong presence in the region, bestowing upon it a symbolic character of power and identity. As a public fountain, it played a vital role in supplying water to the population throughout the centuries, also standing as a symbol of the village's prosperity and development.

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