Category: Civil Architecture > Spring / Fountain
District: Santarém > Santarém > Santarém
Located on Rua Actriz Alda Rodrigues, in Santarém, Fonte do Cravo (Carnation Fountain) stands on a wooded hillside, a short distance from the historic centre and the residential areas of São Domingos. The structure faces a small bridge over a seasonal watercourse, set back slightly from the road and protected by green railings. The surroundings blend dry stone walls, spontaneous vegetation, and the urban fabric descending towards the Tagus river, revealing the irregular topography that characterises the city.
Dated 1865, according to the inscription on the pediment, the fountain is part of the water supply infrastructure established in Santarém throughout the 19th century, a period when public health gained greater attention. For decades, it served the local population, offering fresh water that flowed from a small central spout into a now covered basin. Although the water is currently not recommended for consumption, the monument preserves the memory of the old fountains that ensured the daily life of the city.
With a simple design and restrained proportions, the main body exhibits a triangular profile topped by a pierced backrest, evoking late neoclassical aesthetics. The dominant white of the plaster contrasts with dark green accents that highlight corners and mouldings. At the centre, below the date, stands out a painting of a pink carnation, the motif that gives the fountain its name and underscores the connection between the plant element and the identity of the place. This flower, associated with the Ribatejo region and significant episodes in Portuguese history, lends character and colour to a deliberately sober ensemble.
The site maintains a serene atmosphere, reinforced by the discreet sound of water when in operation and the proximity of the vegetation covering the hillside. The combination of stone, stucco, and spontaneous flora creates a picturesque setting, enhanced by the open light of the Ribatejo. The low ground level and easy access via the side path make Fonte do Cravo an inviting spot for a brief pause, whether to observe the decorative details, photograph the chromaticism of the painted carnation, or simply appreciate the contrast between the built heritage and the surrounding nature.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.239654914286,-8.7019784
Coordinates DMS: 39°14'22.8"N 08°42'7.1"W
Weather Santarém
On-duty Pharmacy Santarém
