Cantareira Source

Category: Civil Architecture > Spring / Fountain

District: Porto > Porto > Foz do Douro > Sobreiras

Location

The Fonte da Cantareira is located in the city of Porto, next to the Douro River, in an area where tradition and everyday life intersect with the urban landscape.

Architecture

Stone fountain with classic lines, a robust and symmetrical structure. It features a central niche with a spout and granite steps in front. The style is simple, but integrated into the city's historical heritage.

Original Function

It was a public water supply fountain, used by the local population.

Cultural Context

It is in this area, from Cantareira to Foz do Douro, that the famous Paper Costume Parade takes place, as part of the Pilgrimage of S. Bartolomeu, organized by the Union of Parishes of Aldoar, Foz do Douro and Nevogilde.

Importance of the Event

This parade is the largest in the country dedicated to costumes made of paper. A colorful and creative tradition, with popular roots, which attracts many visitors and participants.

UNESCO Candidacy

The Paper Costume Parade is currently in the process of being nominated as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, which reinforces its historical and ethnographic value.

Surrounding Environment

The Cantareira area maintains a strong connection to the river and maritime life. It is a good starting point for walks to Foz, with beautiful views and places of interest along the way.

Curiosity

Despite some local opinions devaluing the fountain as a monument, its value lies in the cultural environment and how it is part of the city's collective memory.

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