Santo António's Spring

Category: Civil Architecture > Spring / Fountain

District: Santarém > Benavente > Samora Correia > Porto Alto

Location:

The Santo António Fountain is located in the Porto Alto area, a part of the locality of Samora Correia, which belongs to the municipality of Benavente. Set in an urbanized environment, yet maintaining a local atmosphere, the fountain provides a point of tranquility for those visiting the region. It is easily accessible, inviting a brief moment of pause in the discovery of this Ribatejo locality.

History and Legacy:

Dating back to 1865, the Santo António Fountain marked a turning point for the population. It was the first public piped water system implemented in the municipality of Benavente, a significant milestone for the water supply to the community. For decades, this fountain was fundamental to the daily lives of the inhabitants, who would come here to collect the essential water for their homes.

Heart of the Community:

Beyond its practical function, the Santo António Fountain played a vital role as a social meeting point. It was a place where people gathered, often while waiting their turn to fill the traditional "quartas" of water. These waiting moments turned into opportunities to catch up, share stories, and strengthen community bonds. The fountain thus became a symbol of social life and the tranquil pace of times gone by.

Aesthetics and Evolution:

Although the original structure of the fountain dates from the 19th century, its current setting dates back to the 1950s. This renovation gave it the aesthetic that we observe today, integrating it harmoniously into the surrounding urban environment. The Santo António Fountain presents itself as a simple element, but one laden with history, inviting reflection on the evolution of water supply and the daily lives of past generations.

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