Portela Fountain

Category: Civil Architecture > Fountain

District: Lisboa > Cascais > Malveira da Serra > Portela

Location

The Chafariz da Portela is located in the town of Malveira da Serra, an area of the Cascais municipality distinguished by its more mountainous and tranquil environment. It is specifically situated in the urbanisation or area designated as Portela, on a street that reflects its name, suggesting its importance as a local landmark. Malveira da Serra, being an elevated locality, offers a different perspective of the Cascais region, with a calmer atmosphere and set within a transitional landscape between urban and natural.

Memory of Water

This fountain dates back to a time when public fountains played an essential role in the lives of communities. Before the arrival of piped water to homes, it was in places like the Chafariz da Portela that inhabitants would fetch water, making it a daily meeting point and a central hub of social life in Portela. Its presence recalls the vital importance of water and the dynamics of a past where sharing and proximity were fundamental to everyday life.

Simple and Functional Design

The Chafariz da Portela exhibits a typical construction of village fountains, characterised by its simplicity and functionality. Generally built from local stone, its design reflects a practical approach, prioritising easy access to water. Although it does not boast grand ornaments, its form and the materials used lend it a rustic and authentic character, integrating it harmoniously into the landscape of Malveira da Serra and its residential surroundings. It is a modest yet significant example of the region's vernacular architecture.

Point of Stillness

Visiting the Chafariz da Portela offers a moment of pause in a predominantly residential area. Surrounded by a calm environment, the gentle sound of water, if it is in operation, can provide a sense of serenity. It is a place that invites a brief stop and observation, allowing those who find it a subtle connection with the history and rhythm of life from bygone days, far from the hustle and bustle of the more crowded centres of the Cascais municipality. It serves as a discreet reminder of the locality's heritage.

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