Fountain of Vila das Areias

Category: Civil Architecture > Fountain

District: Santarém > Benavente > Benavente > Vila das Areias

Location

The Vila das Areias fountain is serenely integrated into the locality of Vila das Areias, a part of the municipality of Benavente, in the district of Santarém. Its position within this residential nucleus suggests, as is common for such structures, its historical importance as a central water supply point for the community. Situated in an environment that evokes the tranquility of the Ribatejo region, the fountain is part of the local landscape, bearing witness to the daily life of the village throughout the ages.

History and Function

This fountain, as an example of civil architecture, dates back to a time when public access to water was a fundamental necessity and a pillar of community life. Structures like the Vila das Areias fountain played a vital role, not only as an essential source of drinking water for the inhabitants but also as meeting and social points. It was here that people gathered, shared news, and wove the fabric of the village's daily life, making it an inseparable element of local history and development.

Architectural Features

Typically built of stone, a robust and abundant material in the region, the Vila das Areias fountain exhibits the functional and aesthetic characteristics that mark this type of building. Its design focuses on the practicality of water flow, usually through one or more spouts that pour into a basin, intended to collect water and facilitate its transport. Although it may not display great ornamentation, its beauty lies in the simplicity of its lines and its harmony with the surrounding environment, reflecting the practical ingenuity of the constructions of the time.

Heritage Value

The Vila das Areias fountain stands today as a discreet yet significant element of Benavente's heritage. Its presence reminds us of past ways of life and the importance of water in the subsistence of rural communities. It is a silent monument to human resilience and adaptation, remaining a visible link to the past and a testament to the evolution of daily life in this Ribatejo locality. Its observation allows visitors to appreciate local history and culture through an authentic and functional perspective.

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