Campolide Fountain

Category: Civil Architecture > Fountain

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Campolide

Location

Situated in the parish of Campolide, the Campolide Fountain is integrated into the urban fabric of Lisbon, in an area that, although part of the capital, invites a more tranquil observation of Lisbon's daily life. It is framed by a predominantly residential and local environment, inviting a pause away from the hustle and bustle of the city's busier centers. Its discreet and functional presence serves as a point of reference and a link to the history of the parish of Campolide itself.

Architectural Features

This stone-built fountain is distinguished by its simplified and functional design. Its notable placement is on a semicircular platform, accessed via steps, giving it a subtle elevation and a distinct presence in the public space. The back wall, a vertical surface forming the rear of the fountain, is finished with an elegant curvature, adding softness to its robust lines.

In the center, the fountain features a tap from which water flows continuously, emptying into a first rectangular basin. From this, the water flows smoothly into a second basin, presumably also rectangular, thus completing the visible cycle of water supply. Its stone construction and layout demonstrate a concern for durability and utility, characteristics common to civil infrastructure of the period.

Memory and Heritage

The Campolide Fountain is a silent testament to the urban and social evolution of Lisbon. In the past, before the widespread adoption of domestic water supply networks, fountains played a fundamental role in the daily lives of the population. They were vital points for collecting water for domestic consumption and for various community needs. Although today their function is mostly symbolic and aesthetic, this fountain recalls the importance of water in the life of the city and how society organized itself around these essential points.

It therefore represents an element of Campolide's civil heritage, highlighting the simplicity and functionality of the architecture of the time, while keeping alive the memory of a past where water was a publicly accessible commodity. Observing it allows for a journey through time, inviting reflection on the changes in the daily lives of Lisbon's inhabitants.

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