Old Fountain in Alagoa

Category: Civil Architecture > Spring / Fountain

District: Portalegre > Portalegre > Alagoa > Fonte Velha

Location

Fonte Velha is located in the town of Alagoa, a peaceful village integrated into the municipality of Portalegre, in the Alto Alentejo region. This fountain, which lends its name to the urbanization or area "Fonte Velha" where it is situated, is a central element of the local landscape. It is easily accessible, inviting a peaceful break in an area that reflects the calm and genuine atmosphere of the village.

A Historic Meeting Point

At its core, Fonte Velha is more than a simple water structure; it represents a piece of Alagoa's history and daily life. Originally conceived as a public fountain, it played a crucial role in supplying water to the population, serving, over time, as a point of gathering and sharing for the community. Its presence recalls the times when water was collected directly from these sources, shaping the routine and social relations of the inhabitants.

The Essence of a Traditional Fountain

As an example of infrastructural architecture, Fonte Velha stands out for its public fountain typology, a traditional construction that combines functionality with a simple and robust aesthetic. Its public ownership, under municipal management, underscores its value as a common good and collective heritage. Although its patrimonial value is currently under study, its existence is a testament to the village's evolution and the importance of water in the lives of past generations, offering a perspective on the local past.

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