Castle of Vide Spring

Category: Civil Architecture > Spring / Fountain

District: Lisboa > Odivelas > Odivelas > Maria Teresa

Location

The Fonte de Castelo de Vide is integrated into the Maria Teresa urbanization, within the locality of Odivelas. It is situated in an area of Odivelas that, like many others, developed over time, transforming former rural properties into urban areas. It is a point that is part of the daily life of a residential area, offering a glimpse of a different past within the city.

Origin of the Name

The unique name of this spring has its roots in local history. The designation "Castelo de Vide" derives from an old estate that existed in or near this location. According to oral tradition, the name of the estate, and consequently the spring, comes from a peculiar figure known as Ti Maria, a woman from Castelo de Vide, in the Alentejo region, who is said to have resided on this property. It is a reference that links the space to memories and characters from the past.

A Past of Commercial Water

This spring is not just an architectural element but also a testament to an once important economic activity in the region. Its construction likely occurred in the early 1930s and is attributed to the then owner of the estate, Aniceto dos Santos Paisana. The great highlight of its history lies in the fact that, for several years, the water from the spring was exploited and commercialized as table water. The process for its legalization, which allowed the water to be bottled and sold, began in 1932, culminating in the granting of the respective license in April 1933. This commercial use highlights the quality and importance of its water at the time.

Testament of Time

After a period of operation, the commercial activity of Fonte de Castelo de Vide began to decline, with the volume of business showing little vitality by the 1950s. In 1977, the possibility of selling the water in clay jugs was formally canceled. Although there was a new authorization for exploitation in 1982, conditional on significant investments in infrastructure and machinery, the owner at the time, already elderly and facing the extent of the financial burden, was unable to proceed with the project. Thus, the spring today reflects the marks of time and its past, being in an advanced state of degradation.

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