Fountain of Rua do Arco a São Mamede

Category: Civil Architecture > Fountain

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > São Mamede

Location

Situated in the parish of São Mamede, in Lisbon, this fountain is located in an urban area with striking historical characteristics. It stands next to a visible section of the Aqueduto das Águas Livres (Aqueduct of the Free Waters), an imposing work of Lisbon's heritage. The street, with its steep incline and basalt cube cobblestone pavement, passes through one of the aqueduct's arches, while the fountain is attached to another arch, where its water tank was located. In the vicinity, a small square, also paved with limestone cobblestones, creates a more open environment, surrounded by residential buildings that testify to the evolution of this area of the city.

Architectural Details

The Chafariz da Rua do Arco a São Mamede exhibits a late Baroque style, characterized by its simplicity and functionality. Constructed entirely of Lioz limestone stonework, it features a straight-lined back, crowned by a discreet cornice. In the center, a carved cushion with a spherical decorative element lends a touch of elegance to its structure. Two Tuscan pilasters, extending to the upper finish, frame the central body, where the two metal spouts that once poured water are located. The two quadrangular tanks, with simple edges and iron bars for supporting vessels, are accessible by a central step, revealing the attention to detail in their practical design.

Memory of Water

Dating from the early 19th century, this fountain was commissioned in 1805 under the direction of Águas Livres, with Honorato José Correia de Macedo e Sá as its architect. Its function was crucial for the population of Lisbon, serving as a water supply point, especially during periods of cleaning the pipes of the Loreto branch, when other fountains in the city were inactive. Thus, it played a vital role in the daily lives of Lisbon residents of the past, ensuring access to this essential resource. Today, the Chafariz da Rua do Arco a São Mamede remains a historical and cultural landmark, a silent testament to the grandeur of the capital's water supply system and the urban life of yesteryear.

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