Fountain of the Dolls

Category: Civil Architecture > Fountain

District: Portalegre > Alter do Chão > Alter do Chão

Location

The Chafariz dos Bonecos is located in the heart of the picturesque village of Alter do Chão, in the district of Portalegre. Situated in a central area of the locality, this fountain stands out as a visual and historical landmark, immersed in the tranquil and traditional atmosphere of the Alentejo streets. Its presence marks one of the most emblematic spaces of the village, inviting contemplation of the daily life that unfolds there, amidst the characteristic sunny white architecture of the region.

Integrated into the urban fabric of Alter do Chão, the fountain provides a point of freshness and architectural beauty, serving as a silent witness to the community life that has surrounded it over the centuries. It is an element that harmonizes with the surrounding urban landscape, contributing to the authenticity and charm of the village.

Historical Memory and Function

Built during the 18th century, the Chafariz dos Bonecos played a vital role in the life of the community of Alter do Chão. Erected at a time when access to clean water was essential for the development and well-being of the population, this monument primarily served as a central supply point. Its construction reflects the concern of the authorities of the time to equip the village with essential infrastructure, ensuring the supply of water for human consumption and for animals.

Beyond its practical function, the fountain was, above all, a place for meeting and socializing, witnessing over the centuries the routines, sharing, and evolution of the village. It thus represents an important link to the daily past of Alter do Chão, evoking a time when fountains were pulses of community life and points of social aggregation.

Artistic and Architectural Details

The Chafariz dos Bonecos is distinguished by its artistic and constructive uniqueness, which gives it a truly unique character. Its name comes from the sculptural figures that adorn the spouts, through which the water flows. These figures, some with anthropomorphic features and others with more abstract or zoomorphic forms, emerge from the stone with remarkable expressiveness, serving as both decorative and functional elements.

Built with local stone, the fountain exhibits an aesthetic that refers to the period of its creation, with details that reflect the artistic sensibility of the time. Its robust structure and careful ornamentation transform a mere water source into a small, yet significant, monument of public art, revealing the mastery of the artisans who conceived it. The stone basins, where the water collects, complement the composition, inviting a moment of freshness and contemplation.

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