Afonso Lopes Vieira Square

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Artwork

District: Leiria > Marinha Grande > São Pedro de Moel

Location

Afonso Lopes Vieira Square is located in the heart of São Pedro de Moel, a coastal village in the municipality of Marinha Grande. This main square holds a central position in the locality, surrounded by the characteristic two-story houses that define the local architecture, and oriented towards the sea, allowing one to feel the sea breeze and the coastal atmosphere.

It represents the urban epicentre of the village, serving as a meeting and contemplation point, where the tranquil environment and coastal scenery merge into a unique experience for visitors.

Design and Maritime Ambiance

The square stands out for its Portuguese pavement, which serves as a canvas for decorative elements. In the centre, an elaborate compass rose, crafted with multi-coloured stonework, protrudes, a visual invitation to navigation and exploration.

The entire square is bordered by a strip that creatively depicts ocean waves, reinforcing the intrinsic connection of the place with the sea. Marble and slatted wooden benches are arranged for rest, and the marble ones are notable for their sea-inspired ornaments, such as shells and conches, complementing the coastal theme.

The Historic Fountain

In the centre of the square stands a 20th-century fountain, built in 1917, which today functions as an ornamental feature. Its autonomous structure consists of a central, pyramidal-profile obelisk, featuring a spout from which water flows into a small shell-shaped basin. At the top, four conches, although one is already damaged, complete the ensemble, emphasizing the marine theme.

This hydraulic element, built of stone and marble, bears a monogram "M.N." and its date of origin, attesting to its history and possibly its connection to the National Forests during its construction period.

Homage to the Poet

The square's name pays homage to Afonso Lopes Vieira, a poet from São Pedro de Moel, and his presence is marked on the south side of the square. In a small raised flowerbed, there is a bust of the writer, set on a high plinth, inviting reflection on the village's cultural legacy.

Next to the homage to the poet, a pine tree with its peculiar shape, bent by the constant action of the maritime winds, serves as a natural symbol of the resilience and raw beauty of São Pedro de Moel's coastal landscape, offering a picturesque setting with a poetic touch.

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