Category: Civil Architecture > Fountain
District: Guarda > Sabugal > Pouca Farinha
In the serene locality of Pouca Farinha, in the municipality of Sabugal, stands the village fountain. This feature is, as is common in many rural settlements, located in the center of the village, in an easily accessible spot for everyone. Its presence fits into the typical Beira landscape, inviting a pause to observe the tranquility and the unique rhythm of local daily life.
The fountain of Pouca Farinha represents a testament to the profound relationship that rural communities established with water. Before piped water reached homes, this was where inhabitants obtained their daily supply, from cooking to washing. This place evokes a time when water collection and access were a primary concern, shaping the lives and habits of the populations. A visit allows one to reflect on the intrinsic value of this vital resource.
Built with the robustness and simplicity characteristic of popular architecture, the fountain is predominantly constructed from local stone. Its structure, likely including a collection tank and spouts from which water gushes, reflects the functionality that was prioritized. These architectural elements, though devoid of grand ornamentation, possess an intrinsic beauty that naturally integrates them into the rural environment, telling a story of the ingenuity and adaptation of the people of the region throughout the centuries.
More than a simple water source, the fountain functioned as a true social gathering point. It was where neighbors met, shared news and conversations while filling their pitchers. Although its primary function has evolved, the fountain of Pouca Farinha maintains its symbolic value as a link to the past and a marker of the village's identity. It is a place that allows one to imagine the buzz of yesteryear and the importance of the human relationships that developed there.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.38141258, -7.04433102
Coordinates DMS: 40°22'53.1"N 07°02'39.6"W