Heritage Square

Category: Nature > Garden

District: Setúbal > Santiago do Cacém > Santo André > Bairro Azul

Location

Largo do Património is located in Bairro Azul, an urban area of the locality of Santo André, in the municipality of Santiago do Cacém. This public space is easily identifiable, situated on Avenida Manuel da Fonseca, and stands out in its surroundings. The square, with its cobblestone pavement, forms a small plaza partially delimited by walls, offering a tranquil environment integrated into the local urbanization.

The Historic Fountain

In the center of Largo do Património stands the Fountain of Nossa Senhora do Monte, a prominent feature with a history dating back to the 18th century, specifically to the year 1772. This fountain, initially designed with Baroque-influenced architecture, underwent several interventions and expansions in the 19th century, in 1871 and again in 1923, which gave it an eclectic and revivalist character. Its walls, in plastered and whitewashed masonry, are enriched by notable carved stonework and applications of pink lioz, presenting decorative details such as seraphim and finial-shaped braziers.

The fountain integrates a main basin, supplied by two spouts, flanked by two stone benches. To the left, there is a second basin dedicated to laundry, and, separated by a wall, a third basin that served as a watering trough for animals, highlighting its historical multifunctionality over time for the local community.

Memories in Stone

This space is remarkable for the richness of its inscriptions. On the central panel of the fountain, an epigraph in Latin, dating from its original construction in 1772, invokes the Virgin Mary, establishing a symbolic connection with water and faith. Above the spouts, a panel of monochromatic tiles in shades of blue and white depicts Nossa Senhora do Monte or da Natividade, reinforcing the religious symbolism of the site.

Of particular interest are the copies of Roman inscriptions embedded in the side panels of the fountain. These replicas, originating from the ancient Roman city of Miróbriga, an important archaeological site in the region, were placed here in the second half of the 18th century. Their presence in the Fountain of Nossa Senhora do Monte reflects an interest of the time in classical heritage and the intention to honor the very ancient history of the municipality of Santiago do Cacém, making this a direct point of contact with the Roman past of the area.

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