Fountain of Good Memory

Category: Civil Architecture > Fountain

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Belém

Location

The Chafariz da Boa Memória (Fountain of Good Memory) is located in the Belém district of Lisbon, set within a spacious square that slopes gently. This public space is characterized by its cobblestone pavement and features garden benches, inviting visitors to rest. The presence of large trees contributes to a tranquil, shaded environment, making it a visual landmark in the surrounding urban landscape.

Design and Composition

This fountain, with its revivalist Neoclassical style, features a shallow, quadrangular basin. In its center stands a robust column made of lioz stone, a traditional limestone from the region. This column, with an elegant, rounded profile, has four spouts that once supplied water. At its apex, the piece is crowned by a decorative element shaped like a vase, inspired by classical Medici vases.

Particularly noteworthy are the inscriptions on the base. On two faces of the column, "AGUADEIROS" (Water Carriers) and "POVO" (People) are engraved in black, symbolizing its original function. The front face also displays the coat of arms of the city of Lisbon, accompanied by the inscription "C.M. 1850", marking the year of its construction and municipal management of the project.

Historical Path

The construction of the Chafariz da Boa Memória dates back to 1850 and was designed by architect Possidónio da Silva. Its origin is linked to a pressing need of the time: to ensure the water supply for the local population. In 1845, the installation of D. Fernando II in the Palace of the Secretariats resulted in the loss of access to a pre-existing fountain, depriving residents of their water source.

For its construction, stonework from the works of the Belém Palace was used, a fact that underscores royal collaboration in solving the public problem. Although inaugurated with enthusiasm, the fountain faced initial challenges with supply and, later, water quality. However, it was reactivated and today serves a more ornamental function, bearing witness to the evolution of the city and its infrastructure over time.

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