Dona Maria I Fountain

Category: Civil Architecture > Fountain

District: Setúbal > Palmela > Palmela > Centro Histórico

Location

The Dona Maria I Fountain is located in the heart of Palmela, in the Largo that inherited its name, situated in the historic center of the village. Its position, on a hillside and at a crossroads, once marked one of the entrances to the locality. Although the environment is urban, its placement next to a staircase and a walkway with rustic cut stones gives it a particular setting and a discreet charm.

A Presence with History

This monumental fountain, as it appears today, dates back to the 18th century, having been inaugurated in 1792 by order of Queen Dona Maria I. However, its presence on the site is much older. The first fountain erected there dated back to the 16th century, at the initiative of D. Jorge, Master of the Order of Santiago and son of King D. João II. The current version, of Baroque inspiration, is a testament to the urban development and the community's needs over the centuries, playing a central role in the daily life of Palmela for a long time.

Architectural Style and Symbolism

Built in limestone and masonry, the Dona Maria I Fountain stands out for its scenographic aesthetic typical of the Baroque period. Its rectangular structure is composed of three bodies. In the central panel, which juts out further, the royal coat of arms of the sovereign who gave it its name can be seen in relief, crowned by a triangular pediment. On the side bodies, the old coat of arms of the town of Palmela are found, evoking the fountain's connection to local history. The ensemble is topped with decorative elements that simulate torchères, giving it an imposing and detailed presence.

Function and Design

In addition to its beauty, the fountain was designed to serve practical purposes. It has two spouts that pour water into a small receiving basin. On the sides, two larger tanks can be seen, which once served as watering troughs for livestock, a detail that evokes the region's rural past. This hydraulic element in Palmela, which is still in operation today, is an interesting example of infrastructural architecture that combined public utility with the artistic expression of its time.

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