Fountain of the little birds

Category: Civil Architecture > Spring / Fountain

District: Porto > Porto > Porto > Bonfim

Location

The Fonte dos Passarinhos is located in the Bonfim area, a district of the city of Porto that combines a residential atmosphere with proximity to the urban center. Integrated into the fabric of streets and buildings of the parish, the fountain offers a small oasis of tranquility, inviting a pause from everyday life. Its presence in this urban area highlights an element of heritage that punctuates the city's landscape and rhythm.

Architectural and Decorative Elements

This remarkable water monument stands out for its construction and artistic details. In the center, at the top, there is a tile panel, topped by a marble crowning vase, unique for its twelve segments. The front of the fountain is elegantly framed by a perfect round arch, clad with a composition of small stones of different shades, including fragments of blue glass and red ceramic. These materials form a geometric design that serves purely as a decorative element. In one of the arch's curves, oval in shape, an opening can be seen that alludes to the entrance of an old mine.

Origin and Historical Legacy

The Fonte dos Passarinhos has its roots linked to an old property, once known as Quinta do Porto and later renamed Quinta das Flores. This historical context underscores its importance as an element that has survived urban transformation, keeping alive the memory of a distinct past. Currently, the fountain's water does not flow into a visible basin, being channeled through a small underground tank. Despite this particularity in its flow, its structure remains a testament to its original function and its legacy in the local landscape.

Atmosphere and Aesthetics

The ground around the fountain is paved with the traditional Portuguese pavement, which lends a touch of authenticity and integrates it into the surrounding urban aesthetic. Complementing the facade, there are two masonry benches that invite rest and contemplation. These seats are topped with marble crowning vases, similar to the central element of the fountain, and their tops are covered with tiles. In these tiles, blue and yellow tones predominate, arranged simply, without a defined pattern, contributing to the serene and welcoming atmosphere of the place.

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