Fonte da Mealhada

Category: Civil Architecture > Spring / Fountain

District: Portalegre > Castelo de Vide > Castelo de Vide

Location:

The Mealhada Spring is located in the area of the same name, nestled in the serene environment of Castelo de Vide. It is a local landmark, easily accessible to anyone strolling through the area and wishing to explore this place.

A Centuries-Old Legacy:

With a history dating back to ancient times, the Mealhada Spring has been renowned for the particular qualities of its water for several centuries. Its importance is such that, as early as 1536, it was the subject of one of the first legislative measures in Portugal aimed at protecting waters considered medicinal. A Royal Provision from that era prohibited the installation of "tintes" (dyeing workshops) nearby, precisely to safeguard the purity of its waters, famed for their virtues.

Later, in the 18th century, the spring's fame was recorded in notable publications. The "Corografia Portuguesa" (1706) mentioned that those who drank from it would be "exempt from nephritic pain," and the "Aquilégio" (1726) reinforced the idea, referring to the water as "excellent for common use." These records underscore the long tradition of valuing this spring.

The Qualities of the Water:

The water from the Mealhada Spring is a natural mineral water with distinctive characteristics. Scientific analyses conducted over time confirm its composition, classifying it as hyposaline and carbonated, with the presence of calcium, magnesium, and other elements.

Over the years, this water has been sought after for its attributed properties, maintaining its reputation as quality water with health benefits, thus perpetuating the tradition of its use.

Public Access:

One of the unique features of the Mealhada Spring is the continuity of its public use. Although the spring was commercially exploited throughout the 20th century by various entities, the fountain's spouts have always remained accessible to the public and visitors.

Today, it is still possible to go to the spring to collect its water. This custom preserves the connection of the community and visitors to this historic spring, allowing direct access to water that has been valued and used for hundreds of years.

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