Dive Source

Category: Civil Architecture > Spring / Fountain

District: Guarda > Sabugal > Sortelha

Location

The Diving Fountain is located in the heart of Walled Sortelha, one of Portugal's Historical Villages, situated in the municipality of Sabugal. It is positioned right at the entrance of the village, after passing through the old Porta da Vila (Village Gate), marking the beginning of Rua da Fonte (Fountain Street) and contributing to the layout of Largo do Corro (Corro Square). Its position, partially embedded in the ground and next to old buildings, gives it a discreet character, yet one of great importance in the village's urban fabric.

Historical Legacy

This old fountain, of the "diving" type, is a testament to the history and daily life of Sortelha throughout the centuries. Although there is a traditional attribution dating its construction back to the Roman era, its most probable erection points to the medieval centuries or the 16th century. Over time, the structure underwent some adaptations, such as the bricking up of its main arch in the late 19th or early 20th century, which once allowed direct access to the water and was a vital point for the community.

Structure and Design

Constructed primarily from granite, a robust and characteristic material of the region, the Diving Fountain features a square-plan enclosure. Access to its interior is via a flight of steps, which leads visitors to a small rectangular tank. The internal ceiling of the space reveals a notable barrel vault, an architectural solution that protected the water reservoir. A curious aspect is that the original arch, now sealed, connected to a tunnel that communicated with the area outside the village walls. On its south side, a straight lintel door can be observed.

Function and Practical Aspect

For many centuries, the Diving Fountain played a central role in the community's life, serving as one of the main sources of potable water supply for the inhabitants of Sortelha. It was a place for gathering and daily work. Currently, its function as a potable water source is no longer active, and the water found inside is not considered fit for consumption. The fountain remains an element of great historical and architectural value in the village's landscape.

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