Category: Civil Architecture > Spring / Fountain
District: Porto > Porto > Porto
The Fonte da Quinta das Virtudes is located in the heart of Porto's Historic Center, a place that preserves the charm of bygone eras. It is situated on one of the terraces of the Jardim das Virtudes, formerly Quinta das Virtudes. This spot offers a unique perspective on the terraces of the Miragaia valley, providing unobstructed views of the Douro River. Access to the fountain is via a stepped path with several landings, set within a more enclosed and uneven space.
This Baroque-style fountain stands out for its granite stonework construction. It features a symmetrical espaldar, with pilasters and elevated side finials adorned with volutes and curved pediments. In the center, an elevated niche with a full arch and a wavy top creates a focal point. The most notable element is its bica-carranca, a water spout with rich decoration in curved forms and vegetal motifs, suggesting Eastern references. The water flows into an adjacent tank, shaped like a scallop shell, enhancing the beauty and originality of the piece. The entire ensemble is framed by plastered and yellow-painted walls, with stonework benches that invite rest.
The Fonte da Quinta das Virtudes is believed to have been built in the 18th century. Throughout its history, it was associated with the old Quinta das Virtudes and even served as support for a battery during the Siege of Porto between 1832 and 1833. Interestingly, this fountain is sometimes identified as the "Fonte dos Fogueteiros" (Fountain of the Rocket Makers), a designation thought to have been lost over time. After a period of neglect, during which vegetation almost made it disappear, its structure was recovered in an intervention in the late 1990s, allowing its beauty and original function as a public fountain to be restored, revealing a piece of the city's hydraulic history.
The space where the fountain is located, with its multiple cascading water reception and conduction tanks, creates a relaxing auditory and visual environment. It is a place that offers a tranquil break from the urban bustle, inviting contemplation. The terraced layout and the presence of vegetation contribute to a refuge-like atmosphere, where the murmur of water and the landscape setting complement each other, providing a moment of quietude in the heart of Porto.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.14563514, -8.61896216
Coordinates DMS: 41°08'44.3"N 08°37'8.3"W
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