Category: Civil Architecture > Spring / Fountain
District: Leiria > Nazaré > Pederneira > Rio Novo
The Old Fountain, also affectionately known as the Village Fountain, is located in the village of Pederneira, more precisely in the Rio Novo area, in the municipality of Nazaré, Leiria district. This place is set in an environment that invites the observation of daily life and tradition, being integrated into the landscape that once served as a stage for the community life of the region.
Its position offers a perspective on how settlements developed around essential resources, maintaining a visible link with the rural past and the social organization of old places.
Classified as "Old" or "Village," this fountain is a silent testament to bygone eras, playing a crucial role in supplying water to the populations of Pederneira and Rio Novo. Before the modernization of infrastructure, the fountain was a vital meeting point, where inhabitants went daily to collect drinking water.
Its existence underlines the importance of water resource management and human dependence on nature, shaping the rhythm and routines of the community over generations. It represents the perseverance and adaptation of populations to the conditions of their time.
In terms of architecture, the Old Fountain or Village Fountain displays a functional simplicity, characteristic of utilitarian civil architecture. Its construction is typically based on the use of local materials, such as stone, which give it robustness and a natural integration into the surrounding landscape.
Its design focuses on the practice of water supply, typically featuring a water spout and a collection tank where water emerged. This functionality, devoid of elaborate ornamentation, highlights its practical purpose, while also reflecting the intrinsic aesthetic of utility and durability.
More than a structure for water supply, the Old Fountain or Village Fountain is a symbol of collective memory and the intangible heritage of the locality. It was a place of social gathering, where news was exchanged, social bonds were woven, and daily moments were shared, while waiting for one's turn to fill the pitchers.
Its presence invites reflection on the evolution of communities and the value of heritage which, though modest in form, is rich in history and meaning. It is a tangible link between the present and the generations that, over time, shaped the identity of Pederneira and Rio Novo.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.600973486690634,-9.066033778498573
Coordinates DMS: 39°36'3.5"N 09°03'57.7"W
Weather Pederneira
On-duty Pharmacy Pederneira
