Source of the Two Spouts

Category: Civil Architecture > Spring / Fountain

District: Guarda > Mêda > Marialva

Location

The Fountain of the Two Spouts (Fonte das Duas Bicas) is located in the village of Marialva, part of the municipality of Mêda. It is situated in a peri-urban, somewhat isolated setting, on a hillside at the periphery of the settlement. The site maintains an atmosphere reminiscent of the region's ancient paths, flanked by masonry walls that delineate agricultural areas, particularly for horticultural production. The fountain is built on a slightly elevated platform, giving it a discreet but significant presence in the surrounding rural landscape.

A 16th-Century Legacy

This fountain is a notable example of popular hydraulic architecture, with its origins likely dating back to the 16th century. Built at a time when public fountains played a fundamental role in the daily lives of communities, the Fonte das Duas Bicas served the essential purpose of water supply. Its construction, by an unknown author, reflects the wisdom and engineering techniques of the time, adapted to local needs and available materials, making it a valuable testament to the history and traditions of Marialva.

Granite Architecture

The fountain's structure is robust and entirely built from granite ashlar, an abundant and characteristic material of the region. It features a rectangular plan and a slab roof, also made of granite. It is characterized as a "plunge fountain," where access to the water is gained by descending into its interior. Visitors can observe the openings with perfect round arches on the south and east façades, preceded by granite staircases that provide access to the water chamber. Outside, at a lower level, there is a simple tank, fed by a small channel cut into the retaining wall, while the interior reveals a harmonious barrel vaulted ceiling.

Serene Atmosphere

Visiting the Fonte das Duas Bicas offers the opportunity to appreciate a place that, although utilitarian in its conception, possesses an intrinsic beauty and an atmosphere of tranquility. Its position on a hillside, surrounded by fields, invites a moment of pause and contemplation of the landscape. It is a point where traditional architecture merges with the natural environment, allowing a genuine connection to the history and way of life that shaped this region over the centuries.

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