Our Lady of Health - Fountain / Tap

Category: Civil Architecture > Spring / Fountain

District: Évora > Portel > Portel > Nossa Senhora da Saúde

Location

Located in the pleasant area of Nossa Senhora da Saúde, in the municipality of Portel, district of Évora, this fountain is set in an environment that evokes the tranquility and rurality typical of the Alentejo region. Its presence is a landmark in this locality, offering a point of pause and reflection in the serenity of the surrounding landscape.

Its Essence and History

Throughout the centuries, communal fountains played a vital role in the lives of populations, and the Fountain / Tap of Nossa Senhora da Saúde is no exception. Erected as an essential point for the supply of water to the local community, its existence is intrinsically linked to the daily needs and the development of the Portel area. Its name invokes the deep devotion to Nossa Senhora da Saúde (Our Lady of Health), suggesting an ancestral connection between the purity of water and divine protection, a link that endures in the collective memory of the place.

Architectural Elements and Characteristics

This fountain displays the sobriety and functionality that characterize many Alentejo constructions. Its robust and pragmatic structure is typically built with local materials, reflecting the simplicity and durability necessary for its purpose. The presence of a tap indicates an adaptation or modernization that allows direct access to water, maintaining its utility in a contemporary context and preserving its original function as a source of life.

Meaning and Atmosphere

More than just a structure for collecting water, the Fountain / Tap of Nossa Senhora da Saúde holds profound symbolic meaning. It is a place that refers to the importance of water as a vital element and to the tradition of faith and devotion associated with Nossa Senhora da Saúde. This spot in Portel invites a moment of pause, to observe the interaction of the Alentejo light with its structure, and to feel the calm atmosphere that surrounds it, offering a perspective on local history and traditions.

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