Street Fountain of D. Pedro V

Category: Civil Architecture > Spring / Fountain

District: Porto > Porto > Porto > Pena

Location

Located on Rua de D. Pedro V, in the Pena area, in the heart of the city of Porto, this fountain is discreetly attached to the wall that borders the road. For those walking up the street, the fountain appears on the left, on a stretch characterized by a steep incline and a striking presence of stone. It is situated between the Alberto Amaral University Residence building and the stairs leading to Viela do Picoto, or Viela do José da Mestra, developing at a higher level.

This urban environment, with its traditional granite architecture and ascending alleys, offers an authentic setting for this element of the city's heritage. Its integration into the local landscape allows passers-by to perceive the robustness and natural beauty of the stone that defines much of Porto.

The Fountain's Design

The Rua de D. Pedro V Fountain is an example of simplicity and functionality, built entirely of granite. It consists of a simple rectangular basin, set into the wall, from which a spigot releases water. The central element forming the spigot is a circular medallion, richly decorated with floral motifs in relief, lending an artistic touch to its utilitarian aesthetic.

Its design, though modest, reflects the region's characteristic stone-working art, blending harmoniously with the surrounding wall. Across the street, in front of the main fountain, there is an additional small tank, subterraneously connected, part of the original water system.

Traces of History

Although the exact date of its construction remains open, the Rua de D. Pedro V Fountain likely dates back to the Modern Era, having served as a public fountain ever since. This function was essential in city life, providing drinking water to the population before the advent of modern supply networks. An inscription engraved on the fountain itself reveals it was "Restored in 1941," a testament to its importance and the concern for its conservation over time.

Connected to a water mine, accessible via an iron gate to its right, the fountain is a remnant of a past where water was a precious resource, ingeniously managed. Currently, the water flowing from the spigot is not controlled for human consumption and therefore should not be drunk.

A Discreet Element on the Street

The Rua de D. Pedro V Fountain, due to its simplicity and integration into the stone environment, can easily go unnoticed by those passing by in a hurry. However, it invites closer observation. Its inscriptions, although sometimes difficult to read at first glance, preserve its identity and the date of its rehabilitation.

Looking at this small public fountain is to discover a piece of Porto's daily history, a reminder of its ancestral infrastructures and how urban life was shaped around these supply points. It is a small landmark that enriches the experience of walking through the city, revealing beauty in the humblest details.

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