Source of Santiago

Category: Civil Architecture > Spring / Fountain

District: Santarém > Benavente > Benavente

Location

The Santiago Fountain is located in the town of Benavente, in an area that once delimited the town's waterfront. Its position offers a glimpse into Benavente's urban history, being a point of interest that naturally integrates into the town's environment, not far from Praça do Município (Town Hall Square), one of the centers of local life.

Memory and History

This monument evokes the existence of an ancient church, also dedicated to Santiago (Saint James), which for centuries punctuated Benavente's landscape by the river. This church was unfortunately destroyed by an earthquake in 1909. The fountain, built in 1967, serves as a symbol of continuity and homage to that past, perpetuating the memory of the original temple's presence in the heart of the town.

Visual and Symbolic Aspects

The Santiago Fountain presents a design notable for its sobriety and significance. On the main face, which turns towards the observer, a niche is visible housing an image of Santiago (Saint James), the central and inspiring figure of the place. On the back of the fountain, there is an inscription commemorating its construction date. Next to it, a Cross of the Order of Santiago (Saint James) appears, a symbolic element that refers to the region's deep historical connection to this important religious order and the pilgrimage routes.

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