Fountain of the Path of the Springs

Category: Civil Architecture > Fountain

District: Setúbal > Sines > Sines > Pescadores

Location

The Fountain of the Bicas Path is located in the Fishermen's Quarter, in the city of Sines. Its position is quite visible, standing out against a retaining wall and marking a winding pavement that leads from the urban area to the beach. This spot invites a moment of pause, offering a glimpse of the surrounding coastal landscape.

Historical Legacy

Dated 1876, as indicated by a clearly visible stone plaque, this fountain dates back to the 19th century, once playing a fundamental role in the public water supply for the community. Although its builder remains unknown, its presence endures as a testament to Sines' urban infrastructure of past eras, maintaining its original function as a source until today.

Architectural Style

This unique fountain features an eclectic architecture, harmoniously combining traces of military robustness, typical of bastioned fortifications, with the sobriety of the classicist tradition. Its quadrangular structure includes a main tank on the south-facing facade and, on the west side, a small walled enclosure accessible by a short staircase. Notable features include the buttress pilasters, the cornice capping the front, and the cladding that simulates stone blocks. In the center, under a perfect arch, the spout made of ashlar pours water into the tank, while carved stone elements adorn and protect the angles of the structure. Interestingly, there is also a door that allows access to a spring excavated directly into the live rock, a detail that reveals the ingenious construction of the past.

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