Madalena Spring

Category: Civil Architecture > Spring / Fountain

District: Portalegre > Elvas > Vila Boim > Bairro de São João Batista

Location

The Fonte da Madalena is serenely integrated into the urban fabric of the locality of Vila Boim, in the municipality of Elvas, district of Portalegre. Specifically situated in the Bairro de São João Batista, this fountain is set in an environment that evokes the typical tranquility of Alentejo villages. Its location allows visitors to enjoy the genuine atmosphere of the community, with its characteristic whitewashed houses and story-telling streets, offering a glimpse into the daily life of the region. The setting invites a pause, allowing one to appreciate the calm and essence of a more rural Portugal.

Architecture and Purpose

As an example of civil architecture that served the daily needs of the population, the Fonte da Madalena is distinguished by its functional simplicity and unadorned design. Generally constructed from stone masonry, its structure is designed for the collection and distribution of water, a vital element for the community over the centuries. A practical design is observed where the collection tank and the water spout are the central elements, testifying to its purpose. This fountain represents not only an essential supply point but also an example of popular engineering applied to water resource management, reflecting the intrinsic need for water for community life.

Heritage and Symbolism

The Fonte da Madalena holds significant historical and symbolic resonance for the inhabitants of Vila Boim. For generations, this place was much more than a mere water source; it represented a vital meeting point for the population, where news was exchanged, daily tasks were accomplished, and village life unfolded to the rhythm of the gushing water. Before the modernization of domestic supply, dependence on these public fountains was absolute, making them a pillar of local survival and sociability. Its designation 'Madalena' may evoke the memory of a protective figure, a patron saint, or a particular aspect of the community's history, reinforcing its symbolic value and intrinsic connection to the local intangible heritage. It is a monument of great ethnographic value, which silently narrates how communities organized themselves around water.

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