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Category: Civil Architecture > Spring / Fountain

District: Guarda > Trancoso > Trancoso > São Pedro e Santa Maria

Location

In Trancoso, Fonte Nova is located in the Union of Parishes of São Pedro and Santa Maria. It is situated in a lower area of the village, which historically served as the Village Field (Campo da Vila) and a fairground. It is a semi-urban space, surrounded by vegetation, with a small walled enclosure and stone benches that invite visitors to pause and serenely observe the site.

Renaissance Architecture and Unique Elements

Built in 1589, Fonte Nova is a notable example of Renaissance architecture. Its granite ashlar structure stands out for combining a smooth backrest with a volumetric organization in the shape of a small temple. The ensemble is defined by seven Tuscan columns that support a distinctive roof: pyramidal on the exterior and a hemispherical dome on the interior. On the backrest, a stone with the royal coat of arms is visible, suggesting a possible royal origin for its construction.

The fountain features two spouts and, in the past, also served as a watering trough for animals. One of the most curious details is found on one of the column bases, where the inscription "DEUS AJUDA-ME" (GOD HELP ME) can be read. As early as 1732, the fountain was referred to in parochial memoirs as an "admirable factory," a testament to its beauty and imposing presence at the time.

A Meeting Point and Stories

Beyond its practical function of water supply, Fonte Nova played a central role in the social life of Trancoso. Like other fountains of the era, it was a lively meeting point, especially for young people. It was here that young women came to fetch water and where, often, they met their suitors.

This social effervescence even led the Trancoso Municipal Council to issue a decree in 1680 to penalize young people who "courted" near the fountains, illustrating how vibrant life was around this spot. Although its waters are no longer used today, the fountain maintains its historical charm and its ability to transport us to past times, where every trip to fetch water could be the beginning of a new story.

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