Rato Square Fountain

Category: Civil Architecture > Fountain

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Rato

Location

The Largo do Rato Fountain is located in the eponymous area, a vibrant crossroads in the heart of Lisbon. Positioned at one end of the square, it is situated against the wall that defines the gardens of Palácio Palmela, a prominent building in the urban landscape. Its presence establishes a discreet bridge between the city's hustle and the tranquility of more secluded spaces.

An 18th-Century Heritage

Built in the mid-18th century, this fountain played an essential role in the capital's water supply system, integrating directly into the famous Águas Livres Aqueduct. It was, in fact, one of the first direct distribution points for the aqueduct's water to the population. Its initial design, dated 1752, is attributed to the engineer Carlos Mardel, a central figure in Lisbon's Pombaline reconstruction. Later, between 1760 and 1761, the architect Manuel Caetano de Sousa contributed significant additions to its structure.

Style and Architectural Details

The fountain's impressiveness reflects the Baroque style of the era, with a composition marked by two distinct levels, accessible via side stone staircases. On the lower level, a tripartite backrest displays two bronze spouts, adorned with acanthus motifs, which once served a rectangular tank intended for watering animals. The upper level, designed for the public, features a single wide panel, also with two spouts that pour into individual semicircular tanks, equipped with iron bars for supporting vessels. The entire structure is built from Lioz limestone ashlar, an emblematic material of Lisbon's architecture.

An Urban Landmark

Although its original function of water distribution is no longer primary, the Largo do Rato Fountain remains a significant historical and cultural landmark in Lisbon's landscape. Its architectural beauty and its connection to the city's history invite a moment of pause and contemplation, testifying to urban evolution and the enduring presence of art in Lisbon's daily life.

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