Fountain of the Exile or Intendant's Fountain

Category: Civil Architecture > Fountain

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Intendente

Location

Located in the vibrant heart of Lisbon, the Chafariz do Desterro is found in the Intendente area, marking the intersection of Rua do Desterro and Rua da Palma. Its presence marks a historic landmark in the urban fabric of the Portuguese capital, situated in an area known for its dynamism and cultural diversity.

History and Essential Function

This fountain was built between 1823 and 1824, in its current location, with the primary purpose of supplying the Lisbon population with drinking water. In an era when direct access to water was a privilege for many, fountains played a fundamental role in the city's daily life, serving as meeting points and vital supply sources. For many years, the Chafariz do Desterro was fed by the imposing network of the Aqueduto das Águas Livres (Águas Livres Aqueduct), one of the capital's most remarkable works of hydraulic engineering.

Architectural Details

The Chafariz do Desterro displays a neoclassical architectural style, characterised by its sobriety and balanced proportions. The structure, built of white limestone, features a central body where two spouts are set, through which water once flowed into the semi-circular basins at its base. At the top of the fountain, an armillary sphere stands out, an element that adds a symbolic touch and a connection to Portugal's maritime and exploratory history, distinguishing it in the urban landscape.

Heritage Recognition

Currently, the Chafariz do Desterro, or Chafariz do Intendente, is recognised as a Building of Public Interest. This official classification underscores its importance as an integral part of Lisbon's historical and cultural heritage, preserving a significant example of 19th-century urban infrastructure and public art of the period.

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