Marquise Fountain

Category: Civil Architecture > Fountain

District: Lisboa > Cascais > Cascais > Centro Histórico

Location

The Chafariz da Marquesa is harmoniously integrated into the heart of the Cascais Historic Centre. Situated in one of its picturesque streets or in a quiet square, its presence contributes to the atmosphere of tradition and charm that characterizes this coastal locality. It is an element that blends into the urban fabric, inviting contemplation of the surrounding environment and the life that once bustled there.

Legacy and Purpose

This fountain, like so many others in Portugal, once played a crucial role in the daily life of the community. It was the source of potable water for residents and their animals, a place where stories were exchanged and the day's news was shared. Its designation, "da Marquesa," suggests a connection to a noble figure or a patronage that marked its history, lending it an additional layer of historical and cultural interest.

Architectural Design

Built predominantly from stonework, the Chafariz da Marquesa displays a design that reflects the functional and sometimes decorative aesthetics of the architecture of its time. It typically features a structure with one or more spouts, from which water flowed, pouring into a basin where it was collected. Although it may vary in detail, its solidity and lines, which can be more sober or feature small ornaments, testify to the importance these structures held in urban planning and the well-being of populations over the centuries.

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