Mount of the Jews Spring

Category: Civil Architecture > Spring / Fountain

District: Porto > Porto > Porto > Centro Histórico

Location

The Fonte do Monte dos Judeus is located in the heart of the Historic Centre of Porto, in the Miragaia area. It is positioned at the base of the slope that gives it its name, a spot that connects the higher parts of the city to the riverside. Its unique location offers a point of contact with the traditional life of Porto, in an area that reflects the historic essence of the city.

This point of interest is situated in an urban environment where history intersects with daily life, providing an authentic perspective of Porto. The surrounding area, characterized by its narrow streets and old buildings, invites a tranquil exploration, revealing the paths and views of a zone with a deep legacy.

A Historic Legacy

The Fonte do Monte dos Judeus, observable today in the Miragaia area, has a complex history of transformations and relocations. Previously, it was known by the name Fonte do Mercado do Peixe (Fish Market Fountain), a designation due to its original location in the old fish market. This market, which also housed the Torneira das Sardinheiras (Sardine Faucet), was demolished to make way for the construction of the Palace of Justice, near the Cordoaria Garden.

Although the current structure dates from the mid-19th century, its existence as a water supply point in Porto dates back centuries, with records pointing to a predecessor established as early as the 13th century, serving the community. One of the most notable elements of the fountain is an almost imperceptible stone tablet on its facade, which once bore the inscription: "Praised be the most holy sacrament and the Purest Conception of the Virgin Our Lady, conceived without original sin. 1629. The water of this fountain is from the City". This epigraph underscores the antiquity of the site and the importance of its water, which was once considered the best quality in the city, essential for the lives of its inhabitants throughout various eras.

Architecture and Uniqueness

The Fonte do Monte dos Judeus stands out for its granite composition, a material so characteristic of Porto's architecture. Its design is peculiar, culminating unexpectedly with the integration of a balcony from an adjacent dwelling into its upper part. This unusual detail gives it a unique personality, reflecting how buildings were interconnected in the city's ancient urban fabric.

Recognized for its heritage and historical value, the fountain is classified as a building of public interest. Its preservation allows visitors to observe an example of past urban hydraulic engineering and appreciate an architectural piece that harmonizes with the surrounding environment, bearing witness to the city's evolution and its infrastructure over time.

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