Saint Anthony's Spring

Category: Civil Architecture > Spring / Fountain

District: Santarém > Tomar > Tomar > Casais e Alviobeira

Location

Saint Anthony's Fountain is located in the area of Casais e Alviobeira, in the municipality of Tomar. This point of interest is situated in a more rural and calm environment, offering a tranquil refuge away from the city's bustle. The natural surroundings, with the presence of some trees, provide shade, inviting a moment of serenity.

Structure and Devotion

The fountain is a traditional granite masonry construction, featuring a rectangular backrest from which two spouts emanate, feeding a tank in front of it. Above the spouts, a colorful azulejo panel, with the image of Saint Anthony, gives the ensemble a strong devotional and symbolic character. Above the fountain, and accessible via a few steps, stands a small chapel whose portal is topped by a coat of arms, completing the structure and reinforcing the site's importance in the local landscape and culture. This fountain underwent restoration work in 2004, ensuring its preservation.

A Legacy of Water and Repose

Throughout its history, Saint Anthony's Fountain played an essential role in supplying water to the surrounding population, with its water once considered "precious". This legacy of utility and value persists, inviting visitors to enjoy the freshness of its spouts. The area around the fountain, shaded by trees, offers an ideal spot for a peaceful break, allowing one to observe the ensemble's architecture and absorb the atmosphere of a historical water source.

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