Fountain of the Lands

Category: Civil Architecture > Fountain

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Lapa

Location

Located in the Largo das Terras, in Estrela, this Chafariz das Terras is a point of interest integrated into the urban fabric of Lisbon. It is strategically situated against one of the sections of the imposing Aqueduto das Águas Livres, highlighting its intimate historical connection to the city's water supply system.

Situated in an area characterized by residential buildings that tell the story of the capital's expansion, the fountain offers a glimpse into the daily life of old Lapa. This location is accessible, inviting a pause for observation and appreciation as a historical-cultural landmark.

History and Purpose

The Chafariz das Terras, sometimes referred to as Chafariz de Buenos-Aires, was constructed in 1867 on the initiative of the Lisbon Municipal Council, as attested by an inscription on the monument itself. This later construction date reveals the city's continuous response to the growing water needs of the population in the 19th century.

Originally supplied by water from the Galeria das Necessidades, one of the branches of the Aqueduto das Águas Livres, this fountain was a vital point of water distribution. Its function was multifaceted, serving from domestic supply to tanks dedicated to laundry and a watering trough for animals, responding to the diverse needs of the local community. Although water no longer flows today, it remains a valuable testament to the ingenious hydraulic network that once served the capital.

Architectural Characteristics

This fountain exhibits a sober and functional architectural style, characteristic of the 19th century. Its structure is built with mixed masonry and clad with the traditional limestone stonework (cantaria de calcário lioz), a noble material that lends durability and elegance to the ensemble. It features a parallelepiped volume, resting on a two-step platform.

Its decorative elements include Tuscan pilasters, a prominent cornice, and pyramidal pinnacles at the corners. On the main facade, a framed circular medallion proudly displays the coat of arms of the city of Lisbon, underscoring its public character. The original three spouts are still visible, some of them adorned with flower shapes, which once filled the stonework tanks, designed for the various uses this fountain served in the daily life of Lapa.

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