Sabuga Fountain

Category: Civil Architecture > Spring / Fountain

District: Lisboa > Sintra > Sintra > Quinta do Castanheiro

Location

Sabuga Fountain is located in Sintra, within the area known as Quinta do Castanheiro. Situated on Rua Marechal Saldanha, the fountain is strategically positioned on the northern slope of the Sintra Mountains. Although slightly set back from the main road, its location allows it to blend into the urban context of the village, maintaining a harmonious connection with the walls of the historic Quinta do Saldanha. The surrounding area is an integral part of the classified Cultural Landscape of Sintra and the Sintra-Cascais Protected Area, benefiting from its lush nature.

History and the Legend of the Waters

The earliest references to Sabuga Fountain date back to the medieval period, with mentions as early as the 12th century, attesting to its antiquity and relevance. Over the centuries, its waters gained fame for their medicinal properties, being attributed salutary qualities. Historical records, such as the Aquilégio of 1726, describe its effectiveness in treating certain ailments, and even royal figures like Queen D. Luísa de Gusmão (in 1652) and D. João IV (in 1654) visited and appreciated its waters. This popularity led to the fountain's water being bottled and sold for a period in the 20th century. There is also a local legend that states whoever drinks from the water of Sabuga will never forget Sintra, adding a touch of mystery to its reputation.

Design and Renovation

The current design of Sabuga Fountain primarily results from a Baroque reconstruction, dating from 1757, after it was damaged by the great earthquake of 1755. The fountain features a structure that includes a rectangular stonework basin, into which the spouts flow. Its main pediment is adorned with elements such as the Sintra coat of arms and a date, revealing the period of its significant transformations. Over the years, the fountain has undergone several interventions. A recent restoration, in the early 21st century, aimed to restore its 19th-century "romantic" design, a period that profoundly shaped Sintra's aesthetic. During this process, older structures were discovered, including a 16th-century basin and layers of pavement from the 16th and 18th centuries, which reveal the different construction phases and the long history of the site.

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