Villa Parda Source

Category: Civil Architecture > Spring / Fountain

District: Porto > Porto > Porto > Leal

Location

The Fonte de Villa Parda is located in the city of Porto, in the union of parishes of Cedofeita, Santo Ildefonso, Sé, Miragaia, São Nicolau and Vitória. This urban element is situated on Rua do Bonjardim, more precisely at the top of Rua do Paraíso. The fountain is set within a small rectangular paved square, which extends to the public pavement, and is attached to an irregular stone wall, giving it a presence integrated into the urban fabric.

Architectural Features

This fountain exhibits an architecture of neoclassical inspiration, characteristic of the 19th century. Its design is highlighted by the rectangular granite backboard, flanked by Tuscan pilasters that give it a solid appearance. At its top, a frieze and a cornice serve as a finish, culminating in an urn decorated with festoons on an acroterium. In the center of the backboard, it is possible to read the inscription that gives the fountain its name: "FONTE DE VILLA PARDA", accompanied by the date 1859, the year of its inauguration. Water springs from two semi-spherical tubular spouts, made of copper, which feed a semicircular tank. This tank, built with two rows of stonework, has a slightly protruding upper rim, giving it a functional presence.

History and Legend

Inaugurated on October 2, 1859, the Fonte de Villa Parda played and continues to play a fundamental role in the distribution of water to the local population, maintaining its original function as a public fountain. Before its current construction, a smaller fountain existed in the same location, with a tank, supplied by a natural spring from a nearby rock. Curiously, the designation "Villa Parda" has a legendary origin. It is said that the name comes from the figure of a woman, nicknamed "parda" or "mulata" (mulatto), who resided in the old Rua do Bairro Alto, today part of Rua do Bonjardim, in the vicinity of the fountain. This story lends the place a touch of charm and mystery, linking it to the popular memory of the city.

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